AARP debate

BEDFORD--Social Security and the future of the program took center stage in a Senate debate between former Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (D-Madbury) and current U.S. Sen. John Sununu (R-Waterville Valley).

In the debate sponsored by the AARP, Sununu said he has offered a plan to make Social Security solvent for future generations, while Shaheen questioned plans to privatize the program in light of the stock market's decline.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 20th, 2008

CONTACT:
Kate Bedingfield
603 782 4613 (o)/603 361 8036 (c)/ kbedingfield@jeanneshaheen.org

Caitlin Legacki
603 782 4613 (o)/603 361 9643 (c)/ clegacki@jeanneshaheen.org

DEBATE DOUBLETALK: IN AARP DEBATE, SUNUNU CLAIMS TO PROTECT TAXPAYER DOLLARS, YET VOTES FOR RECORD LEVELS OF RECKLESS SPENDING IN WASHINGTON

(Manchester, NH) – In this morning's AARP debate, John Sununu told the people of New Hampshire, "I'll always vote to protect your money."

BEDFORD-- Campaign officials from both candidates in the 1st Congressional District said their candidate did a "fantastic job."

Former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) and U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-Rochester) participated in their first debate earlier today.

BEDFORD--The state of the economy took the center stage in the first debate this election cycle former U.S Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) and U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-Rochester).

Bradley said the country is facing a "crisis of confidence," while Shea-Porter said she is "optimistic" that the economy will recover.

U.S. Rep. Carol Shea-Porter (D-Rochester) wants to reschedule her first debate with former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro), so she can work on the financial bailout bill.

Congress is expected to vote a bailout bill Monday. However, the Bradley campaign says that Bradley will be at the event even if Shea-Porter does not attend.

The two are scheduled to debate tomorrow in Manchester at an AARP forum.

UPDATE: AARP has postponed the debate scheduled for tomorrow between Jeb Bradley and Carol Shea-Porter.

"We're disappointed, but certainly recognize the importance of dealing with the financial crisis facing our nation," said AARP NH State Director Kelly Clark.  "We are looking forward to being able to reschedule the debate so that voters can become better informed about the candidates' positions on the vital issues that unite all of us in order to make informed decisions."

A later date will be announced later this week.

The New Hampshire Democratic Party sponsored a conference call criticizing former U.S. Rep. Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) position on Social Security.

State Sen. Lou D'Allesandro (D-Manchester) and Steve Gorin wanted to know if Bradley supports the privatization of Social Security.

U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes, Jennifer Horn debate at New England College: Photo Credit: PolitickerNH.com

HENNIKER-- In their first debate, 2nd Congressional District nominees Paul Hodes (D-Concord) and Jennifer Horn (R-Nashua) both said at an AARP debate that they have questions about a recent purposed bailout of the nation's financial institutions.

Hodes said he will support the bill if there is a benefit to taxpayers, while Horn said she remains undecided on the bailout, but argued that the government must reign in spending.

U.S. Rep. Paul Hodes (D-Concord) has announced that he has agreed to participate in three debates against his opponent Jennifer Horn (R-Nashua).

However, the Horn campaign said that of the three debates, it has currently only officially agreed to one, but stressed a desire to have a debate every week between now and Election Day.

Hodes has agreed to debates that will take place on Sept. 22, Oct. 17 and Oct. 28. Hodes and Horn have both agreed to AARP debate on Sept. 22 at New England College.