And a few more pages from the reporters notebook on the Baron Hill/Todd Young race in Indiana's 9th Congressional District:
Hill supports tax credit extension
Hill is supporting an extension of a tax credit for first time homebuyers. The credit was due to expire on Wednesday, but the bill would extend the credit until October 1. In a statement, Hill said up to 180,000 homebuyers would lose the credit because of delays in home closings.
“As of mid-April, about 40,000 Hoosiers had taken advantage of this tax credit,” Hill said. “It’s a targeted and timely credit that has rendered real success. I’ve heard from many constituents who asked me to support this extension in order to ensure they can get the credit.”
Hill denounces Young's "Ponzi scheme" comments on social security
After a recent campaign appearance in Corydon by Republican Todd Young was caught on tape and posted on YouTube, Democrat Baron Hill is attacking Young for calling Social Security as a "Ponzi Scheme."
“The most recent comments from my opponent are simply outrageous,” Hill said. “Social Security is a promise that we have made to seniors and we must honor. I have always fought to protect Social Security and will continue to do so in the future. My opponent’s recent comments have shown his disdain for Social Security and his desire to cut benefits that millions of Americans rely on.”
Young touts poll that shows him trailing Hill by five points.
Todd Young begins the general election campaign in an excellent position. Hill is well-under the 50% threshold incumbents strive for, and Todd trails by just seven points, 34% - 41%. Among the voters who rate their election interest as a "10" or "very interested," Todd actually leads, 41%-36%.
Here are the full news releases.....
Hill Supports Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act Bill extends closing deadline for those taking advantage of first-time homebuyer tax credit
WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Baron Hill supported a straightforward and paid-for bill today that will directly help those Hoosiers who entered into a contract to buy a home to access the first-time homebuyer tax credit by April 30. H.R. 5623, the Homebuyers Assistance and Improvement Act, extends until October 1 the deadline for closing in order to be eligible for the credit. Under current law, these homebuyers were required to close by June 30 to receive the credit.
“As of mid-April, about 40,000 Hoosiers had taken advantage of this tax credit,” Hill said. “It’s a targeted and timely credit that has rendered real success. I’ve heard from many constituents who asked me to support this extension in order to ensure they can get the credit.”
The bill comes in direct response to numerous reports of homebuyers experiencing delays that could prevent them from closing by June 30, meaning they would no longer qualify for the credit. Up to 180,000 homebuyers would lose their tax credit through no fault of their own if the extension is not enacted by June 30 when the closing deadline expires.
H.R. 5623 was passed by an overwhelmingly bipartisan vote of 409 – 5 Tuesday afternoon.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HILL DENOUNCES YOUNG’S COMMENTS ON SOCIAL SECURITY
Seymour – Baron Hill denounced Todd Young’s recent comments on Social Security and renewed his call for Todd Young to pledge to protect Social Security from privatization. Young has drawn criticism for recent comments he made at a Tea Party rally in Corydon, when he called Social Security “a Ponzi scheme.”
“The most recent comments from my opponent are simply outrageous,” Hill said. “Social Security is a promise that we have made to seniors and we must honor. I have always fought to protect Social Security and will continue to do so in the future. My opponent’s recent comments have shown his disdain for Social Security and his desire to cut benefits that millions of Americans rely on.”
Young made his comments last Tuesday night and they appeared on YouTube last week. Since his statement has become public, Young has refused further comment. “Hoosiers deserve to know where their elected officials stand, particularly on issues as important as Social Security,” Hill said. “The fact that my opponent will not sign a pledge to protect Social Security from privatization tells me that he wants to see it privatized, but refuses to state his beliefs publicly. If he wants to engage in something as risky as betting Social Security benefits on the mood of Wall Street, he should at least respect the voters of Southern Indiana enough to tell them.”
Baron Hill is an independent leader, fiscal conservative and lifelong resident of Southern Indiana. Baron is running for Congress to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington and fight for all of Southern Indiana. Baron and his wife Betty live in Seymour, Indiana. They are the proud parents of three daughters and one granddaughter.
Todd Young for Congress
Leading the Charge
Bloomington IN - The most recent poll from nationally recognized polling firm, Public Opinion Strategies has confirmed what we've known for months: voters of Indiana's Ninth Congressional District are ready for a new generation of responsible leadership.
All the traditional measurements of an incumbent's political strength point to Baron Hill's vulnerability in this election. His personal image shows significant polarization with 37% holding an unfavorable impression. A near majority (49%) would prefer electing a new person with just 37% choosing to re-elect Hill.
Fully 64% believe the country is headed off on the wrong track, 71% disapprove of the way Congress is handling its job, and the President's job approval rating is 43% approve - 55% disapprove.
Todd Young begins the general election campaign in an excellent position. Hill is well-under the 50% threshold incumbents strive for, and Todd trails by just seven points, 34% - 41%. Among the voters who rate their election interest as a "10" or "very interested," Todd actually leads, 41%-36%.
The poll was conducted was of 300 likely Ninth District voters, and has a margin of error of +/- 5.66%
