Maroun to Owens: Start over on health care

Paul A. Maroun, a Republican candidate for the 23rd Congressional District, said he called Rep. Bill Owens' office today to tell his potential opponent not to support the health care reform package and insist that Congress start over.

"We know that people with pre-existing conditions must be covered by some type of insurance," the Franklin County legislator said in a statement. "We know that our veterans must be protected with their Tri-Care benefits. We know that when people run into problems in the work force and are temporarily out of work, they will need help in keeping their health insurance. And we also know insurance companies should be able to sell insurance across state lines, which is called competition. This is what we all can agree on. This is where we should start the health care reform legislation."

Mr. Maroun, Tupper Lake, said he hoped Mr. Owens "seriously considers these ideas."