State of New Mexico Archives: on Social Security


David Clements: Keep promises for seniors; significant reforms if younger

We must keep our promises to seniors and not change benefits for those who are currently receiving or soon will receive Social Security or Medicare. Individuals who have paid into these programs for much of their lives have made decisions based on promised benefits, and those promises should be kept. For younger people, such as those in their 20s, 30s & 40s, these mandatory programs are unsustainable & unreliable. We must begin to phase in significant reforms for the benefit of future generations.
Source: 2014 N.M. Senate campaign website, ClementsForNM.com Feb 18, 2014

Steve Pearce: We must improve the rates of return on Trust Fund

The two sparred over Social Security. “I think that privatization of Social Security is a very bad idea,” Udall said. “I don’t agree with Steve Pearce’s approach that privatization is the way to go. I think privatization is really a step to undermine Social Security.”

Pearce said the big problem with Social Security is that Congress has robbed funds from the program and needs to refund them so the program can remain solvent.

But when Udall charged Pearce had continuously voted for privatization, Pearce challenged him. “Tell me one piece of legislation,” Pearce said, later adding, “You’re making stuff up. Tell me one vote, one bill.” Udall said Pearce was a supporter of Pres. Bush’s plan to privatize social security, which ultimately failed.

Pearce said Social Security has a rate of return of about 1% and supports giving retirees the option of having targeted funds like members of Congress have. “We must improve the rates of return, otherwise Social Security will never work,” he said.

Source: 2008 N.M. Senate Debate reported in Silver City Sun-News Oct 19, 2008

Tom Udall: Privatization of Social Security is a very bad idea

On issues important to senior citizens, the two sparred over Social Security. “I think that privatization of Social Security is a very bad idea,” Udall said. “I want it to be there for my children and grandchildren when they retire. I don’t agree with Steve Pearce’s approach that privatization is the way to go. I think privatization is really a step to undermine Social Security and I would do everything I can to fight against it.”

Pearce said the big problem with Social Security is that Congress has robbed funds from the program and needs to refund them so the program can remain solvent.

But when Udall charged Pearce had continuously voted for privatization, Pearce challenged him. “Tell me one piece of legislation.” Udall said Pearce was a supporter of Bush’s plan to privatize social security, which ultimately failed.

Pearce said Social Security has a rate of return of about 1%, & supports giving retirees the option of having targeted funds. “We must improve the rates of return,” he said

Source: 2008 N.M. Senate Debate reported in Silver City Sun-News Oct 19, 2008

  • The above quotations are from State of New Mexico Politicians: Archives.
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2020 Presidential contenders on Social Security:
  Democrats running for President:
Sen.Michael Bennet (D-CO)
V.P.Joe Biden (D-DE)
Mayor Mike Bloomberg (I-NYC)
Gov.Steve Bullock (D-MT)
Mayor Pete Buttigieg (D-IN)
Sen.Cory Booker (D-NJ)
Secy.Julian Castro (D-TX)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Rep.John Delaney (D-MD)
Rep.Tulsi Gabbard (D-HI)
Sen.Amy Klobuchar (D-MN)
Gov.Deval Patrick (D-MA)
Sen.Bernie Sanders (I-VT)
CEO Tom Steyer (D-CA)
Sen.Elizabeth Warren (D-MA)
Marianne Williamson (D-CA)
CEO Andrew Yang (D-NY)

2020 Third Party Candidates:
Rep.Justin Amash (L-MI)
CEO Don Blankenship (C-WV)
Gov.Lincoln Chafee (L-RI)
Howie Hawkins (G-NY)
Gov.Gary Johnson(L-NM)
Howard Schultz(I-WA)
Gov.Jesse Ventura (I-MN) 		Republicans running for President:
Sen.Ted Cruz(R-TX)
Gov.Larry Hogan (R-MD)
Gov.John Kasich(R-OH)
V.P.Mike Pence(R-IN)
Gov.Mark Sanford (R-SC)
Pres.Donald Trump(R-NY)
Rep.Joe Walsh (R-IL)
Gov.Bill Weld(R-MA & L-NY)

2020 Withdrawn Democratic Candidates:
Sen.Stacey Abrams (D-GA)
Mayor Bill de Blasio (D-NYC)
Sen.Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY)
Sen.Mike Gravel (D-AK)
Sen.Kamala Harris (D-CA)
Gov.John Hickenlooper (D-CO)
Gov.Jay Inslee (D-WA)
Mayor Wayne Messam (D-FL)
Rep.Seth Moulton (D-MA)
Rep.Beto O`Rourke (D-TX)
Rep.Tim Ryan (D-CA)
Adm.Joe Sestak (D-PA)
Rep.Eric Swalwell (D-CA)
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Page last updated: Oct 13, 2021