Bush Addresses GOP Social Security Split in N.Y.

GREECE, N.Y. -- President Bush was in Western New York state on Tuesday trying to persuade moderate Republicans, some of whom are from New York, to resist pressure from constituents and support his ideas for changing Social Security, The Associated Press reported.

"I fully recognize some in Washington, you know, don't particularly want to address this issue," Bush said in an auditorium at Greece Athena Middle and High School. I recognize some of them say, ‘Well, this is, this is a partisan thing. You know, we don't want to make one party look good at the expense of another."

Bush added: "I think more and more people recognize there's a problem and people are going to say ‘Go do something about it.' And those who obstruct reform -- no matter what party they're in -- will pay a political price, in my judgment," Bush said.

Coinciding with the president's visit, the AARP launched a statewide petition drive to urge its 2.5 million members in New York to send postcards to members of Congress encouraging them to reform Social Security, but avoid setting up private accounts that the group feels would weaken the program.

A demonstration against Bush's ideas for reform also was planned in Rochester by the Rochester AFL-CIO, Citizens Action of New York, the Monroe County Democratic Committee and other groups.

-- NYSSCPA.org News Staff

Posted on 5/24/05