Richard Neal (D-MA2) Runs on Social Security - Again - photo credit kerry senate
Although running on one’s record in Congress during this particular mid-term is not the most popular tactic for incumbents, even in Massachusetts, one would think that any Democrat Congressional Representative would know better than to run the tired scare tactic on the Republican Party and Social Security. Not so for both Richard Neal and Barney Frank, two Massachusetts Democrats facing challenges this election cycle. Under the current administration and the watch of the Democrat controlled legislature, seniors did not receive a cost of living increase in Social Security benefits for 2010 and will not receive an increase again in 2011. Neal is running a television advertisement on Social Security (not found on the web as of this writing) and Frank, is is visiting seniors noting that he’s “working hard to get them an increase in Social Security payments that so many say they need as their bills continue to rise.”
The question this election will be, are seniors buying this message? The fact that Social Security increases are determined, not by the Congress, but rather the Social Security Administration which is driven by the U.S. Department of Labor.
That said no incumbents are running on Congressional cost of living increases or C.O.L.A.’s, which are automatic, and in place regardless of the economy. According to an article in the Jackson, Mississippi, Clarion Ledger: “that drink's all the rage among senior citizens.”
With the increasing use of the web and instant news access for American’s seniors (especially the estimated 76 million baby boomers, many of which are just beginning to collect social security retirement benefits.) that message may not resonate this November, even in Massachusetts. Both Richard Neal (D-MA2) and Barney Frank (D-MA4)face Republican Challengers in this years election. Neal will face Tom Wesley, a businessman and veteran tomwesley.com and Frank will face Sean Bielat, a businessman and active reservist seanbielat.com on November 2nd.
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