DCCC launches robo calls on GOP Medicare reform

The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee announced Monday that it is launching a new round of automated phone calls attacking the GOP 2012 budget in 20 key districts.

Democrats have seized on the House-passed budget resolution, authored by Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) for the fact it turns Medicare for those currently under 55 into a type of voucher system.

The campaign says the GOP is “ending” Medicare and the calls tell recipients, regardless of age, that their benefits will be cut even if those called are over 55.

The calls are circulating several districts, including Lou Barletta's (R-Pa.).

“You’ve paid into Medicare for more than 25 years and deserve the Medicare benefits you’ve earned. Under the Barletta plan, Medicare ends and you’ll have to save about $182,000 more to pay for your health care.  Where will you get $182,000?” the calls say. “Everyone agrees we must cut spending and tighten our belt, but Barletta has made the wrong choice.  Ending Medicare to pay for subsidies for Big Oil making huge profits or tax breaks for the ultra rich!  That’s not right.”

The Ryan budget retains all the Bush-era tax cuts, including for the wealthy. Republicans have said any tax increases are off the table in current discussions about the deficit.

In addition to Barletta's, the calls are airing in the districts of Paul Gosar (R-Ariz.), Scott Tipton (R-Colo.), Steve Southerland (R-Fla.), Bill Young (R-Fla), Allen West (R-Fla.), Tom Latham (R-Iowa), Bobby Schilling (R-Ill.), Tim Walberg (R-Mich.), Renee Elmers (R-N.C.), Joe Heck (R-Nev.), Nan Hayworth (R-N.Y.), Ann Marie Buerkle (R-N.Y.), Steve Chabot (R-Ohio), Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), Charlie Dent (R-Pa.), Francisco "Quico" Canseco (R-Texas), Blake Farenthold (R-Texas), Scott Rigell (R-Va.) and Sean Duffy (R-Wis.)

The new effort also involves an email campaign and website: DontEndMedicare.com.

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