Mass. Democrats and Republicans Critical Of Obama’s Budget

Republicans and Democrats in Massachusetts are faulting President Barack Obama for proposing changes that would trim Social Security and Medicare benefits.

Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren said in an email to supporters that she was ``shocked'' to hear Obama's budget plan would cut Social Security benefits, calling the program critical to protecting middle class families.

Democratic Congressmen Edward Markey and Stephen Lynch, both of whom are running in the state's special U.S. Senate election, also criticized the cuts.

Lynch said if he were in the Senate he would filibuster to try to block the cuts while Markey called the proposed cuts ``a wrong-headed change'' that would harm senior citizens.

Republican Senate hopeful Michael Sullivan also criticized Obama's budget proposal, saying it increases spending on the backs of the middle class while reducing Social Security payments to seniors.  (Associated Press)