Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell stopped short of calling Social Security a “Ponzi scheme” but agreed with Texas Gov. Rick Perry that the program must undergo serious changes.
Responding to recent statements made by the Republican presidential candidate during a monthly radio show on WNIS in Norfolk, McDonnell said today that Social Security shouldn’t be changed for current recipients, but “there’s no way to be able to pass on a great country to the next generation if we don’t get entitlements under control.”
Considered by many as a possible vice presidential candidate, McDonnell is scheduled to appear with Perry on Wednesday in Richmond for a Republican Party of Virginia luncheon.
Perry has drawn harsh criticism from other GOP presidential hopefuls for his strong statements against the current Social Security system. But the Texas Republican, who became the frontrunner almost immediately after entering the race last month, stood by the tone of his statements in Monday’s Tea Party debate even as his opponents took turns jabbing him.
McDonnell, who replaced his Texas counterpart as chairman of the Republican Governors Association, wasn’t critical of Perry, but didn’t side with him, either.
“I think everyone who’s honest would agree we have got to make reforms in entitlement programs,” McDonnell said.
