FactCheck debunks Hayworth's misleading claims

One of JD Hayworth's campaign claims is that his opponent, Harry Mitchell, supports "social security for illegal immigrants." It's appearing in a lot of JD's tv ads and mailers.

But is it true? Well, of course it isn't.

By now, we've come to expect misleading (or downright lying) from Congressman Hayworth. In this case, the non-partisan political fact-checking organization FactCheck.org thoroughly debunks Hayworth's misleading claims.

Republicans are tagging Democratic opponents across the country for wanting to "give Social Security benefits to illegal immigrants." But nobody's proposing paying benefits to illegals, not until and unless they become US citizens or are granted legal status.

The charge is a mischaracterization of an amendment offered during debate of the immigration bill that passed the Senate last May with a healthy bi-partisan majority, 62-36. The amendment would change current law to prevent immigrants from getting credit toward future Social Security benefits from taxes paid before they have legal permission to work.

The measure has become a popular campaign issue for Republicans, particularly incumbent House members who raise it against their Democratic challengers. We have counted 29 GOP ads attacking Democrats with various versions of this misleading claim. Similar misconceptions about the measure were spread as part of a chain e-mail last spring and summer.

So, a misleading claim, being parrotted by Republicans across the country to win elections? Yep. Just another example of a culture of corruption.

Don't believe JD's lies. Please vote for Harry Mitchell and help restore integrity to our Congress.