Stimulus, Social Security dominate 3rd Colorado Senate debate

Stimulus, Social Security dominate Colorado debate

PUEBLO, Colo. — Republican Senate candidate Ken Buck is chastising his own party for scaring seniors with messages about cuts to Medicare.

In the third Colorado Senate debate, Buck criticized GOP allies for campaigning against the health care overhaul in part by highlighting some $500 billion in Medicare cuts over the next decade. Buck called those campaign ads “despicable.”

But Buck went on to criticize Democratic Sen. Michael Bennet for running advertisements saying Buck would imperil Social Security. Bennet insisted Buck’s plans would harm seniors.

The candidates also bickered over last year’s stimulus package and Colorado water policy in an hourlong debate in Pueblo.