Alan Simpson apologizes for comparing Social Security to a cow; retains slot on WH commission

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Former WY senator apologizes after cow remark

CASPER, Wyo. — Former U.S. Sen. Alan Simpson has apologized for a recent e-mail comment in which he compared Social Security to “a milk cow with 310 million tits.”

Some critics want the former Wyoming senator removed from President Barack Obama’s bipartisan deficit commission because of the comment. But a White House spokeswoman said Friday that Simpson will stay on the panel.

“Alan Simpson has apologized and while we regret and do not condone his comments, we accept his apology and he will continue to serve,” said Jen Psaki, deputy White House communications director.

The Wyoming Republican made the cow comment in an e-mail Monday to Ashley Carson, executive director of the Older Women’s League. He was responding to an article in which she accused Simpson of ageism and sexism.

Simpson later wrote Carson apologizing for his remarks, noting that he knew she cared deeply about Social Security.

“Over the last 40 years, I have had my size 15 feet in my mouth a time or two. To quote my old friend and colleague, Senator Lloyd Bentsen, when I make a mistake, ‘It’s a doozy!’” Simpson wrote.

Carson said she appreciated Simpson’s apology but she thinks he should still step down.

Simpson’s remark angered the National Organization for Women and the AARP. NOW president Terry O’Neill said Obama should remove Simpson from the commission if Simpson won’t resign.

Simpson co-chairs the bipartisan panel, which has been charged with producing a plan to shrink the deficit.

Includes information from: Casper Star-Tribune - Casper, www.trib.com