Kaine’s Campaign Makes a Stop in Northern Virginia

Tim Kaine’s campaign rolled through Northern Virginia on Wednesday morning, stopping in Falls Church to talk Medicare and Social Security with a group of seniors.

Kaine assured the group he would not stand by and allow the federal government to make changes to the two programs many senior citizens depend on for survival. He said some of his Republican colleagues have started calling Social Security a Ponzi scheme but he sees the program as a necessity.

"It’s probably the most successful program we’ve ever run," Kaine said to the group of about a dozen senior citizens. "When I hear politicians call social security a Ponzi scheme, I can’t help but think someone gave them a speaking point. I’m going to fight against any attempt to privatize the program."

Kaine, former Virginia governor and the Democratic candidate for the Virginia U.S. Senate seat challenging Republican George Allen, is touring the commonwealth to meet with various groups of constituents. Kaine has already met with groups of veterans and small-business owners to get an idea of what the voters want and how they're thinking. He said his stop at the was important because it allowed him the opportunity to meet with older Americans to listen to their issues and concerns. Kaine will next speak at AOL at 1 p.m.

Campaigning for the last several months has taught Kaine many lessons. Throughout his career as an attorney, he said he has always received employer provided health insurance. Since he has left his job and began his campaign, he has had to pay $17,000 a year out of pocket for health insurance for his family. Kaine said he could understand his voters’ cries when they complain about the increasing costs to maintain their health.

Diane Curling is contemplating those costs now.

Curling, 63, of Reston, is concerned about discussions on increasing the age to receive Medicare and Social Security. With a husband working part time for Loudoun County, the retiree said increasing the age to benefit from the programs would be detrimental to the nation’s senior population.

“My biggest concern is people can’t afford medical insurance as is,” Curling said. “I think raising the ages would be a personal burden for some.”

Ira Kaylin said senior citizens need someone in the Senate with tremendous, intellect, compassion and leadership. Kaylin, a sitting councilman in Falls Church, said issues with possible increases in the minimum age to receive senior benefits are frightening.

“We’re going to need help in D.C. to keep an eye on these issues,” Kaylin said.

Kaine said the race for the Senate is going to be close and is already pretty much tied. The former governor said he is not used to races he’s involved in being close at the beginning. He said he has decided against rebuttal campaign ads because he doesn’t feel the anti-Kaine ads are doing any damage to his campaign.

“My attitude is just campaign,” Kaine said. “They’ve been at it since November. My thing is if it’s not hurting me, let them have at it.”