Soc. Sec: The Republican's Rope?

[cmutt]

Is social security the rope that the Republican's will use to hang themselves? Social Security is one of the so-called 'third-rails' of politics: it's a death sentance for the politicians that touch it. Bush is willing to pursue it because he doesn't have anything to lose -- he'll be out of office in 4 years, regardless of any policy he pursues today. But what of the house and senate members?

Assuming a fair electoral process (a big if nowadays), can the Dem's leverage this into a majority in either bodies next election? Whether the social security makeover suceeds or not, I'd have to assume that the Dem's (assuming Democratic competancy, another big if) would at least be able to leverage some of this to their advantage.

Your thoughts?