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Pawlenty Eyes Limits On Social Security Benefits

BEDFORD, N.H. (AP) -- Former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty says limiting Social Security payments to wealthier Americans could help the nation confront its mounting national deficit.

Pawlenty, a potential 2012 presidential contender, told an audience in the early voting state of New Hampshire that annual increases in payments to wealthier Americans could be ended. The Republican says wealthier Americans don't rely on such cost-of-living adjustments.

Pawlenty says drawing lines between classes is not ideal, but the nation faces a mathematical reality in what it can afford. He calls the step reasonable but not enough to solve the entire national deficit.

Pawlenty is visiting New Hampshire as part of a book tour. He says he will decide whether he will seek the White House in the coming weeks.

(© Copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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