Andrew Romanoff on Wednesday denounced a flier distributed by Sen. Michael Bennet’s campaign that said the former state House speaker supports privatization of Social Security.
The flier focuses on a 2004 resolution in the legislature that urged Congress to allow voluntary contributions to personal retirement accounts to supplement existing Social Security. Romanoff was one of seven Democrats who voted for the resolution, which also opposed Social Security benefit cuts or tax increases.
Romanoff said the flier was part of a “smear campaign” by Bennet, in sharp contrast to the Bennet campaign’s portrayal of itself as above the political fray.
The 2004 resolution was not about diverting existing Social Security money to new private accounts, Romanoff said, but rather making it easier for earners to put more income in optional savings separate from Social Security.
Romanoff also pointed to a 2005 resolution he voted for specifically calling on Congress to “reject proposals to divert money out of Social Security to fund private accounts.”
On privatization, Romanoff said, “I was against it then, and I’m against it now.”
The Bennet Social Security flier depicts crestfallen Wall Street traders and anxious seniors. “He risked Social Security once. Why risk sending him to the U.S. Senate?” it asks.
The Bennet campaign said the 2004 Colorado resolution Romanoff voted for was similar to the privatization pushed by President George W. Bush, though the language of the resolution does not connect the two.
Romanoff is “claiming to be on the side of seniors, though his record shows very clearly that he worked to privatize Social Security,” said Trevor Kincaid, Bennet for Colorado spokesman.
Michael Booth: 303-954-1686 or mbooth@denverpost.com
