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10th District hopefuls spar over Social Security plans

Posted September 21, 2010 11:00 pm

Russell Lissau

Republican Robert Dold and Democrat Dan Seals dueled over their plans for Social Security in a 10th District debate Tuesday in Arlington Heights.

The well-attended event at the Forest View Educational Center in Arlington Heights, was sponsored by the national senior-citizen group AARP, and the questions posed to the candidates reflected the interests of that demographic.

Dold tried to strike first by saying Seals would paint his proposals to save the retirement system as privatization, and he denied that was the case. The remark was a response to Seals' continued criticism of Dold's proposal to allow people to put a portion of their Social Security savings into individual accounts.

During the GOP primary, Dold told the media he backed allowing people to put up to 25 percent of their Social Security payments into such accounts.

Dold was right - Seals went after that plan.

"I guarantee you I will not allow (Social Security) to be privatized," said Seals, a consultant and university lecturer from Wilmette who's making his third bid for Congress.

Dold, a business owner from Kenilworth, said he's concerned about the solvency of Social Security and called for changes that will continue full payment of benefits beyond 2037.

He suggested gradually raising the retirement age for workers now 54 years old or younger.

"We need to make Social Security reflect the fact that we're living much longer lives," Dold said.

Seals insisted Social Security will be solvent through 2037 and also said any changes should be gradual. And, like Dold, Seals said the funds of current retirees shouldn't be affected.

But Seals stressed he wants to protect the accounts of anyone who's soon approaching retirement age, although he didn't specify an age.

Seals also proposed cutting retirement payouts to the wealthiest Americans, saying they don't need Social Security checks as much.

Reducing the federal deficit, the need to ensure senior citizens receiving Medicare have proper access to doctors and Medicare fraud, were among the other issues covered.

When asked how to stimulate companies to boost employment, Seals said he favors tax credits for businesses that hire new workers. Dold preferred a payroll tax cut, which he said would let employers invest in technology and hire new workers.

Seals said he supports the health care reform legislation that was adopted after much controversy this year, but he admitted it needs to be improved. He criticized an included tax on small businesses, for example.

Dold has publicly opposed the legislation but said it does have some good points, such as the elimination of pre-existing medical conditions as an excuse for canceling a patient's health insurance.

But he questioned why the legislation didn't include tort reform and was critical of other aspects of the plan.

"There is a better way," said Dold, who turned those five words into his personal catchphrase at the forum.

The 10th District includes parts of Cook and Lake counties. The district now is served by Republican Mark Kirk, who's leaving the seat open to run for U.S. Senate.

Another debate between these candidates is scheduled for 7 p.m. today at Glenbrook South High School, 4000 W. Lake Ave., Glenview. The event is open to the public.

Dan Seals

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