Ad wars rage over Social Security

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Groups on both sides of the Social Security fight will pour millions of dollars into what is already a bruising battle that has all the hallmarks of a presidential campaign.

At question is whether the system truly needs fundamental change in order to save it for future generations, and whether President Bush's plan to let workers invest part of their Social Security in private accounts will help or hurt the situation.

The country's leading organization for seniors, the AARP -- which strongly opposes Mr. Bush's private account idea -- has declared the issue its top priority, and already has spent at least $5 million on ads.

And MoveOn.org once again is going head-to-head with the Republican National Committee and Progress for America (PFA), just like it did in last year's presidential campaign.

"It's not quite as big [as the presidential fight], but it is an epic battle," said Roger Hickey, co-director of Campaign for America's Future (CAF), which is coordinating a large coalition of groups, including MoveOn.org, in raising $30 million to oppose Mr. Bush's effort.

"I think it is going to be a long sustained fight," said Brian McCabe, spokesman for PFA, a group that's planning to spend $20 million to $25 million this year -- on par with what was spent on the election last year -- to aggressively explain and defend Mr. Bush's ideas on Social Security.

PFA has run two television ads so far, explaining that Social Security faces future financial trouble, stressing the importance of personal accounts and reminding viewers that no one older than 55 would be affected by Mr. Bush's proposed changes. Like the AARP, it is planning extensive grass-roots mobilization, including e-mails and phone calls to its members, spots on talk radio and direct-mail advocacy.

Club for Growth has committed $10 million to support private accounts, and already is running television ads targeting undecided lawmakers. It also hired its first lobbyist and started a blog on its Web site.

Meanwhile, AARP is arguing the dangers of private accounts by organizing member forums across the country. It is partnering with Rock the Vote to reach younger people and discussing the issue on its Web site blog, newsletter and magazine. The group also is encouraging members to speak out against the private accounts idea. About 250,000 AARP members already have contacted their lawmakers.

"This is our number one legislative priority," AARP spokeswoman Lisa Davis said of Social Security. "We will commit our resources to this. ... We're going to continue to be aggressive."