Tom Howell says front - runner Rick Perry was target for GOP candidates at debate . He says Mitt Romney turned focus to Social Security and Perry 's Ponzi scheme comment . Though he did n't lay them out Monday night , the components of Romney 's plan include the raising of the retirement age , the creation of personal retirement investment accounts for younger workers , and the indexing of benefits to prices rather than wages , as is currently done . He says Perry now says he 'd keep Social Security safe , then talks about moving it to states . Howell : Perry may be favored , but in general election Social Security stance would hurt him .
Tom Howell says front - runner Rick Perry was target for GOP candidates at debate . He says Mitt Romney turned focus to Social Security and Perry 's Ponzi scheme comment . He says Perry now says he 'd keep Social Security safe , then talks about moving it to states . Howell : Perry may be favored , but in general election Social Security stance would hurt him .