Monday, November 23, 2009

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GOP Senate candidates disagree over health plan

BOSTON -- The two Republicans running to succeed the late Sen. Edward Kennedy disagree about whether Massachusetts should serve as a model for the nation's health care overhaul.

State Sen. Scott Brown of Wrentham likes the near-universal coverage created by the 2006 bill. Duxbury businessman and attorney Jack E. Robinson says the Massachusetts bill has failed to control costs.

The two expressed their views Monday during a half-hour debate sponsored by the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.

The sparse crowd of 60 underscored the lack of attention the GOP primary race has received. When the four Democrats met last month, there were more than 400 people present.

Kennedy died Aug. 25 of brain cancer. The party primaries are Dec. 8, and the special election is Jan. 19.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)