Social Security Fight Begins, Over a Bill Still Nonexistent

http://www.nytimes.com/2005/02/17/politics/17lobby.html

Social Security Fight Begins, Over a Bill Still Nonexistent
By GLEN JUSTICE

Published: February 17, 2005


ASHINGTON, Feb. 16 - As the debate over Social Security continues here, a coalition supporting President Bush's proposal is fanning out state by state to bring the issue home to voters - and their members of Congress.

The Coalition for the Modernization and Protection of America's Social Security, a group of major trade associations commonly called Compass, plans to spend as much as $20 million on grass-roots campaigns intended to influence lawmakers in the states they represent.

The group is starting an effort called Generations Together, which will recruit advocates of all ages nationwide who are willing to attend town hall meetings and rallies, make phone calls and write letters to members of Congress and call for action on Social Security.

"It's about getting to members through their constituents," said Derrick A. Max, the Compass executive director. "This effort is about getting to them through key influences in their district."

Before there is even a bill before Congress, lobbying groups on both sides of the Social Security issue have opened their war rooms and their wallets. Next week's Congressional recess is shaping up as a proving ground, with members of Congress, officials from both parties and lobbying organizations on both sides taking to the states to attend forums, set up phone banks and mailings and begin advertising campaigns. <snip>