Yarmuth camp jumps on Northup's debate remarks on Social Security

LOUISVILLE -- Shortly after the completion of this afternoon's debate between U.S. Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Louisville) and former U.S. Rep. Anne Northup (R-Louisville), Yarmuth's campaign fired off a press release criticizing Northup's comments during the debate about Social Security.

At today's lunch-hour Louisville Forum debate, Yarmuth questioned Northup over whether she supported the privitization of Social Security.

In response, Northup defended earlier proposals on the issue and said they "guaranteed" those who would have invested Social Security funds the amount they would have received had they not taken the option to invest.

She also argued the Social Security program was underfunded - or worse.

"There is not one penny for it. At least in the stock market right now, you have 50 percent of your worth," said Northup. "The government has gone and spent every single cent that you have put into Social Security."

It was those remarks that were seized on by the Yarmuth camp this afternoon.

"Anne Northup gave her Wall Street friends everything they wanted in Congress while ignoring the economic security of America's retirees," said Yarmuth's campaign manager Dan Geldon, in a statement. "Northup may be fine with you losing half your Social Security, but I can assure you Congressman Yarmuth is not."   

The candidates debate again on Oct. 20.