What is Robert Dold's position on Social Security? In late July, the Republican's 10th District Congressional nominee encouraged his campaign followers to familiarize themselves with U.S. Rep. Paul Ryan’s (R-WI) Roadmap for America’s Future, a budget plan that would largely privatize the government's retirement system while lowering benefit payments. Hours later, he pulled the message down from his Facebook account. On Saturday, the 75th anniversary of Social Security's creation, members of the New Trier Democrats delivered a "Social Security birthday cake" to Dold's Winnetka office. Dold celebrated by asking what Democratic opponent Dan Seals' "plan is to save Social Security from future bankruptcy."

Bankruptcy? The Social Security Trust Fund (PDF) is in surplus and will pay out (PDF) full benefits through 2037. Persistent unemployment threatens its long-term solvency, but the program is not in serious danger. (Indeed, one could make a strong case that benefits should be strengthened.) Dold should be forced to elaborate on that assertion during the campaign.