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Jim Gilmore on Social Security

Senate challenger 2008; previously Republican Governor (VA)


Cap entitlements & create a culture of independence

Q: Would you be willing to reduce benefits to avoid raising payroll taxes?

A: We have developed a whole system, Social Security, of all these entitlement systems that are going to eat up the ability of the taxpayer to be able to pay for them. So we’re going to have to address how we can put a cap on these in such a way that we’re going to be able to pay for them and create a culture of independence in this country so people can provide for themselves in a way that liberates them for this.

Source: 2007 Republican Debate in South Carolina May 15, 2007

Praises Bush leadership on Social Security reform

Social Security reform is the most presidential thing I’ve ever seen, that George Bush is doing. It used to be people said you can’t touch Social Security as an issue, but he saw the deficiencies and has taken decisive presidential leadership to do reform that is going to protect Social Security.
Source: Interview on Evans & Novak (TV coverage of GOP Convention) Jul 30, 2000

Maintain long-term solvency of Social Security and Medicare.

Gilmore adopted the National Governors Association position paper:

The Issue

With the first federal budget surplus in a generation and estimates of non-Social Security surpluses ranging from $750 billion to $1.9 trillion over the next decade, the issue is whether Congress and the President will agree to dedicate a portion of the projected surplus to tax cuts and, if so, what the impacts on states might be.

NGA’s Position

NGA opposes reductions from current discretionary spending levels or changes that could risk the long-term solvency of the nation’s Social Security and Medicare systems. NGA supports provisions to ensure reduced barriers to state and local capital finance through tax-exempt bonds and to ensure maximum flexibility in setting and maintaining state retirement plans and programs.
Source: National Governors Association "Issues / Positions" 01-NGA16 on Aug 1, 2001

Other candidates on Social Security: Jim Gilmore on other issues:
Nominees:
GOP: Sen.John McCain
GOP V.P.: Gov.Sarah Palin
Democrat: Sen.Barack Obama
Dem.V.P.: Sen.Joe Biden

Third Parties:
Constitution: Chuck Baldwin
Libertarian: Rep.Bob Barr
Constitution: Amb.Alan Keyes
Liberation: Gloria La Riva
Green: Rep.Cynthia McKinney
Socialist: Brian Moore
Independent: Ralph Nader
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Page last updated: Feb 08, 2010