AARP Launches Accountability Effort for Presidential Candidates

Voters Expect Those Running for President to 'Take a Stand' on the Future of Social Security

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Nov 03, 2015, 03:00 ET

WASHINGTON, Nov. 3, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today AARP launched their 2016 election accountability campaign called Take a Stand, which demands on behalf of all voters that Presidential candidates take a stand on their plans to update Social Security. AARP expects every presidential candidate to lay out their plans to make Social Security financially sound so current and future generations can receive the adequate benefits they've earned.

"Our members and voters of all ages believe that having a plan to ensure Social Security is strong for future generations is a true test of Presidential leadership," said AARP Executive Vice President Nancy LeaMond. "We will work to ensure that voters know which candidates have a real plan for updating Social Security and which don't."

The effort, beginning in Iowa, New Hampshire, and South Carolina, will expand as the election season moves forward. All plans put forward by candidates will be posted on the Take a Stand website, www.2016takeastand.org.

Additionally, the effort will hold candidates accountable for laying out their Social Security plans as AARP informs voters of all candidate plans through advertising, social media, grassroots outreach and our publications, which reach 22 million households.

"We intend to demand that candidates discuss their plans in front of the voters through the course of the entire campaign," added AARP Senior Vice President John Hishta. "When it comes to a Social Security plan, candidates can no longer just pay lip service to voters they're trying to court."

So far eleven Democratic and Republican candidates have proposed plans and seven have not yet proposed any specific plans. The nonpartisan AARP does not support or oppose any political candidates, nor contribute any money to political action committees, campaigns or super PACs.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services. A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

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SOURCE AARP