Soc Sec media lobbying groups) - Lobbying war hits airwaves

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http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2005-02-07-social-security-lobbyists_x.htm

Lobbying war hits airwaves
By Oren Dorell, USA TODAY
WASHINGTON — <snip>"People are going to be surprised at the level of organization on both sides," says Derrick Max, director of the Alliance for Worker Retirement Security, a business group aligned with the White House.

Among those backing Bush, in addition to the business group:

•Progress for America, which calls itself a "conservative truth squad," starts running its second ad today on CNN and Fox News Channel. Brian McCabe, its president, says its budget is $20 million.

•Club for Growth, which promotes "free market" conservative candidates and boasts 29,000 members, plans to spend more than $10 million. It's airing ads in Michigan, New York and Rhode Island urging voters to contact undecided Republican lawmakers.

•For Our Grandchildren, financed largely by window and door manufacturer Richard Wendt of Klamath Falls, Ore., employs a handful of lobbyists.

Groups opposing Bush include:

•AARP, the over-50 group with 35 million members, plans to use its four publications and conduct forums, letter-writing campaigns and meetings with lawmakers. It's spending $5 million now on ads.

•Campaign for America's Future, a liberal group whose mission is to "empower workers," hopes to raise $30 million. Roger Hickey, its co-director, says the group drew thousands of people to rallies during Bush's trip last week to pressure key Democrats in five states.

•MoveOn.org, another liberal group, is running TV and print ads warning that Bush's plan will lead to "the working retirement." It plans to spend at least $1 million.<snip>