In an extremely interesting front page article in tomorrow's Washington Post, the crack team of Jim VandeHei and Mike Allen report that the President does not enjoy the unanimous support of Congressional Republicans that might be necessary for passage of widespread reforms to Social Security. They write:

Most alarming to White House officials, some congressional Republicans are panning the president's plan -- even before it is unveiled. "Why stir up a political hornet's nest . . . when there is no urgency?" said Rep. Rob Simmons (Conn.), who represents a competitive district. "When does the program go belly up? 2042. I will be dead by then."

Simmons said there is no way he will support Bush's idea of allowing younger Americans to divert some of their payroll taxes into private accounts, especially when there are more pressing needs, such as shoring up Medicare and providing armor to U.S. troops in Iraq.

Rep. Jack Kingston (Ga.), a member of the GOP leadership, said 15 to 20 House Republicans agree with Simmons, although others say the number is closer to 40. "Just convincing our guys not to be timid is going to be a big struggle," he said. "It's going to take a lot of convincing," which he said can be done.

With the Democrats solidly in opposition to any GOP plans, the President would doubtless need his entire party caucus united. As such, with up to 40 Republicans in opposition to Bush's plan to gut the program, Social Security might just be able to survive a few more years.