Tomorrow's
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WASHINGTON POST is an article detailing the division within the Republican ranks about Social Security. At a time when it seems both centrist & liberal Democrats are uniting in the defense of one of the core programs that defined our party, it seems that many Republicans might resist their leader...
...Most alarming to White House officials, some congressional Republicans are panning the president's plan -- even before it is unveiled. "Why stir up a political hornet's nest . . . when there is no urgency?" said Rep. Rob Simmons (Conn.), who represents a competitive district.
"When does the program go belly up? 2042. I will be dead by then"...
...Rep. Jack Kingston (Ga.), a member of the GOP leadership, said 15 to 20 House Republicans agree with Simmons, although others say the number is closer to 40. "Just convincing our guys not to be timid is going to be a big struggle," he said...
Another good sign is the resistance to WHITE HOUSE narrative on Social Security. The plan of the WHITE HOUSE, first uncovered in leaked E-Mails, to portray Social Security as "in crisis" seems to be meeting problems, even among conservatives...
...William Kristol, editor of the conservative Weekly Standard, is challenging the president's assertions that Social Security is in crisis and that Republicans will be rewarded for fixing it. Republicans are privately "bewildered why this is such a White House priority," he said. "I am a skeptic politically and a little bit substantively"...