Washington -- Former Rep. Tim Walberg defended his stance on Social Security on Monday, with his spokesman downplaying a YouTube video showing Walberg calling for privatization of the popular program and calling it "a cut-and-paste hit job."

In an interview with the Independence Caucus website, an organization affiliated with the tea party movement, Walberg was asked whether he would like to see Social Security privatized.

"... A seasoned campaigner like me understands that that is a buzzword that is just about as negative as a noose hanging around your neck," Walberg said. "But in talking with you, we all understand what that means. I definitely support the privatization of the so-called Social Security system."

Walberg spokesman Joe Wicks didn't dispute the authenticity of the recording, but said the Republican candidate for the 7th District U.S. House seat supports "keeping the promise of Social Security and looking into reforms to empower younger workers to save."

Democrats pounced on the video, saying the challenger to Rep. Mark Schauer, D-Battle Creek, was trying to wage war on one of the country's most popular safety-net programs.

"Michigan seniors deserve to know the truth, that Tim Walberg has been lying to them about his plans to privatize Social Security and cut retirement benefits," Gabby Adler, spokeswoman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, said in a statement.

As the Social Security program marked its 75th anniversary, Democrats have pushed Republican electoral foes to take a stand, just as many Republicans have renewed a push to phase out such benefits.

http://www.detnews.com/article/20100817/POLITICS03/8170335/1022/Walberg-...