Personal tone hits Social Security debate

WASHINGTON, Feb. 28 (UPI) -- A U.S. conservative group is taking its fight to the AARP and a liberal group is attacking a Republican leader in the heating battle over Social Security.

The conservative USA Next said it is sending a letter to activists looking at the AARP's "shameful record of liberal activism," USA Today reported Monday. The AARP has been one of the leading opponents to President Bush's plans for Social Security reform.

USA Today also said the liberal Campaign for America's Future has taken on Rep. Jim McCrery, R-La., whose spot as chairman of the House Social Security subcommittee makes him one of the key players on any Social Security-related legislation.

Campaign for America's Future claims many of McCrery's campaign donors would benefit from reforms. McCrary, who is not in total agreement with the Bush White House on Social Security reform, says the attack is "meritless," the newspaper said.