Connecticut Post - Himes Pledges Social Security Fix

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By KATE RAMUNNI

With the volatility the stock market has shown over the past few months, it's ridiculous to think that privatizing Social Security makes sense, according to the man who wants to replace U.S. Rep. Christopher Shays in the 4th Congressional District.

Democrat Jim Himes, with U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro, D-3, by his side, visited Shelton Tuesday to talk about protecting seniors.

"It's not a surprise to anybody who has been reading the newspapers in the last two months that our economy is in crisis," Himes said at a press conference at the Shelton Democratic Town Committee's Howe Avenue headquarters.

And that crisis has hit stocks hard, he said. Retirees are facing considerable losses to their pensions and 401(k)s, and those who are considering retirement are postponing it because they can't afford it.

"People who are expecting to retire have to push it into the future," Himes said, and the same caution is necessary as far as stabilizing Social Security. "Stocks are far too risky and volatile to expose to Social Security," as would be the case under privatization plans proposed, he added.

Himes said his Republican opponent has spoken out in favor of that option as recently as this past summer. "Christopher Shays has a profound misunderstanding of how the economy works," he said.

Not so, said Shays' campaign manager Michael Sohn.

Shays did sponsor such legislation years ago, he said, but after holding seven forums around the district three years ago, the congressman decided that he would not support any changes to Social Security that didn't have the support of both Democrats and Republicans, as well as the support of the district's residents.

"They are trying to create controversy and scare people," Sohn said of Himes and DeLauro. "Someone who serves in the state's delegation should be above that. Our opponent proclaimed through the seven debates that he is not a politician, but he is certainly acting like one."

Since its inception, Social Security has been a promise to the nation's seniors that they would not spend their golden years financially insolvent, Himes said.

"We need to save and invest prudently, but the promise was made to seniors that regardless of what happens, you will not be poor in your old age," he said. "I will go to Congress and make sure that Social Security is sustainable."

Shays' assertion that the economy is fundamentally strong indicates that "he is totally misreading this economic crisis we find ourselves in," DeLauro said. "There is a real disaster going on -- foreclosures are through the roof.

"Leaders have a responsibility to get this right," she said, "and that begins with strengthening and preserving Social Security, not dismantling Social Security."

Shays has refused to stoop to the level on which Himes is campaigning, Sohn said.

"We are running our campaign that is based on the issues and the facts," he said. "Chris has record of independent bipartisan leadership in this district and the opposition has nothing but continuing negative hyper-partisan attacks."

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