Medicare debate moves to the forefront of congressional races

The future of the popular entitlement has become an issue in close House races, with both sides casting themselves as the program's protectors.

The Associated Press/Washington Post: House Candidates Seek An Edge In The Boisterous Debate Over Medicare
The issue has touched off a flurry of ads and accusations in the presidential race, shifting the focus from the fierce talk about President Barack Obama's record on jobs and the economy. Medicare now also stands at the forefront of congressional races as candidates seek an edge with 11 weeks to the Nov. 6 elections (8/20).

Politico (Video): Majority PAC Bombards Murdock On Social Security, Medicare
Majority PAC has reserved airtime in the Hoosier State starting tomorrow and is set to run an ad that accuses the GOP nominee of, essentially, betraying the Greatest Generation…The plan that Mourdock said doesn't go far enough is, naturally, the Paul Ryan budget, so consider this the latest instance of Ryan's entitlement reform proposals becoming fodder in a major down-ballot race. Recent internal polling for groups aligned with both parties have found Mourdock in a close race with Democratic Rep. Joe Donnelly (Burns, 8/20).

The Des Moines Register: Latham: Leave Health Reform To Medical Professionals
The government should have more faith in doctors, nurses and other medical professionals to create innovative ways to improve the health care system, U.S. Rep. Tom Latham said Monday. The Clive Republican was speaking to a few dozen medical students, faculty members and members of the public at Des Moines University. He predicted that President Barack Obama's health reform law would cut payments to hospitals and doctors, forcing them to go out of business or quit taking care of patients on Medicare and Medicaid, the public insurance plans for the elderly, disabled and poor (Leys, 8/20).