At CSE Sponsored Debate, Wisconsin GOP Challengers Embrace Social Security Reform

Kenosha, WI – At a U.S. Senate Candidate Forum sponsored by Citizens for a Sound Economy (CSE) last night, the four major challengers to incumbent Senator Russ Feingold declared that federal spending was out of control and recognized the need for reform. In addition to curbing spending, auto dealer Russ Darrow, attorney Robert Lorge, construction executive Tim Michels, and State Senator Bob Welch reiterated the success of the Bush tax cuts and the need to make them permanent.

Fielding questions from the audience, the candidates were asked about topics ranging from budget process reform to Social Security reform. All candidates recognized the need to address the current inadequacies and the pending bankruptcy of Social Security, with Michels supporting preservation of the current “Trust Fund” through budget process reform, while Welch and Darrow outlined specific plans to create voluntary Personal Retirement Accounts (PRAs) that workers would own and control without raising taxes or reducing benefits. Lorge also noted his support for PRA’s.

CSE’s Wisconsin State Director Cameron Sholty stated, “I’d like to thank all of the candidates for attending tonight. As a result of this forum, Wisconsin voters and CSE members had a great opportunity to have their questions answered directly by the candidates. All four candidates did a superb job of answering the questions honestly and completely. I can’t thank everyone enough, including Dennis Shook our moderator and the audience, for making this a great event.”

“This forum is just one part of Wisconsin CSE’s 2004 voter education campaign. We’re going to continue to work hard to make sure that Wisconsin voters have the information they need on Election Day.”

Commitments in Washington, D.C. prevented Senator Feingold from attending the forum.