The Observer, September 22, 2006
Volume XXXIX, Issue 4
Mike DeWine a better candidate for older citizens
Letter to the Editor
Sherrod Brown's legislative record demonstrates that he has voted against seniors and others who would benefit from lower drug prices. In 2000, Sherrod Brown cosponsored a Medicare prescription drug bill that prohibited the government from negotiating discounted prices and which allowed private plans to administer the benefits (H.R. 4770, Introduced June 27, 2000).
This piece of legislation demonstrates the level of hypocrisy in Brown's campaign rhetoric. Brown has criticized Republicans for voting to privatize services but was responsible for this legislation that created a benefit to be administered "through a contract with a private administrator." I'm confused. Doesn't Sherrod Brown run around screaming in support of negotiating with drug companies? Doesn't he criticize Republicans for efforts to privatize delivery of benefits? Which Sherrod Brown are we to believe? Brown is willing to say and do anything to win an election.
Senator Mike DeWine has been a friend to older Ohioans. He supported increased funding for the low-income home heating assistance program (LIHEAP), which helps the poor, elderly, and disabled pay their heating bills. DeWine has supported legislation to protect Social Security benefits of seniors by repealing the Government Pension Offset provision and the Windfall Elimination Provision which serve to decrease Social Security benefits and most recently, voted for an amendment to repeal the 1993 tax increase on Social Security benefits.
Unlike Brown, DeWine has voted for legislation to extend the Medicare program's sign-up period and to allow the federal government to save older Americans money by negotiating prices for Medicare drug plans.
DeWine has been consistent and honest in representing his record. Anyone who claims he walks in tandem with the Republican majority and President Bush is not familiar with all of the legislation. Vote for Mike Dewine to preserve benefits for older Ohioans.
