Don't assume support, AARP chief tells parties

WASHINGTON -- The executive director of the AARP said Wednesday that his organization's decision to endorse the Medicare bill represented a political realignment for the group, and warned that neither party should take the elderly's vote for granted next November.

While older voters historically have favored Democrats, William Novelli said the 35-million member organization he heads, formerly known as the American Association for Retired Persons, intends to stake out a more centrist position.

"We're nonpartisan and nonpartisan is supposed to mean what it says, and henceforth . . . we will be taking decisions not on the basis of whether the Democrats like it or the Republicans like it, but what's best for our members," Novelli said at a breakfast with reporters.

"The best thing we could possibly do is be open to ideas and entreaties from both parties," he said. "If we do that, then it doesn't matter what . . . looks like, or what the presidential race looks like. If we line up with our members, and we have enough clout, being in the middle is the best possible place to be."

more: http://www.ajc.com/news/content/news/1203/11aarp.html

;)

It's a nod to Newt.

Is that Novelli calls his consultation to the Rethugs in secret?

..... begin in earnest.

where they coud stick my membership that i had just paid up for the next two years

I am SO through with them!!!!!!

This whole medicare thing smells to high heaven. You cannot be an advocacy organization when you are selling insurance. What a sad joke that will hurt so many Americans.