Politics PA
Nice ad, Tom Smith. Did your mommy make it for you?
The Republican Senate hopeful released a new television spot to fight back against charges that he would be a threat to Medicare or Social Security. He also reiterates the familiar Obamacare-cuts-Medicare line of attack against Sen. Bob Casey.
“Only one person in the Senate race voted to cut Medicare by $716 billion dollars. Bob Casey’s cuts will sharply reduce benefits for some seniors.”
“In the Senate, I’ll protect Social Security and Medicare,” says Smith as the camera pans out to show him and his mom.
“After all, my own mother receives those benefits, and this son would never jeopardize that. Right mum?”
“Right.”
It’s an effective spot and the sharpest jab yet against Casey.
Both parties have been banging the Medicare drum for the 2012 cycle, each with misleading claims about the other party’s plans. Smith’s ad accuses Casey of voting to cut $716 billion from Medicare when he supported Obamacare. However, that $716 billion would affect providers, not beneficiaries. And, Smith has voice support for Rep. Paul Ryan’s budget, which leaves the exact same $716 billion out of Medicare.
Likewise, Democratic claims — including those made by Casey about Smith — give the false impression that the GOP budget would affect current beneficiaries.
However, Smith has gone even further than most GOP candidates. He complimented an even more conservative budget authored by Sen. Rand Paul which would made significant changes to Medicare and Social Security. It was the subject of Casey’s latest TV ad.
“Independent fact checkers have said Smith’s attack ads are untrue,” said Casey Campaign Manager Larry Smar. “Smith said the radical Tea Party budget is a ‘good plan.’ It would end Medicare in two years and slash Social Security benefits in order to pay for a massive tax break for millionaires like himself. Tom Smith is out of touch with middle class families and too extreme for Pennsylvania.”
Read more: http://www.politicspa.com/smiths-mom-endorses-medicare-plan-in-new-ad-watch-video/42742/