Candidates running to replace former U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords agreed on one thing during their first public debate Wednesday: that they would change President Obama's health-care law. But Democrat Ron Barber, Republican Jesse Kelly and Green Party candidate Charlie Manolakis differed on how they would do it. The debate was held at the Tucson Jewish Community Center. Barber said the reforms are "far from perfect," but he would not "throw the baby out with the bath water, as Mr. Kelly has suggested." Barber said he would allow Medicare to negotiate drug prices with pharmaceutical companies and stop insurers from hiking premiums. He would retain other parts, such as allowing parents to keep children up to age 26 on their insurance plans, banning insurers from dropping ... Continue reading →
WASHINGTON -- Former Rep. Gabrielle Giffords continues to be missed on Capitol Hill, her House colleagues say. Giffords, the three-term Arizona Democrat wounded in a 2011 assassination attempt, resigned Jan. 25 to focus on her continued recovery. Early voting starts today in the June 12 special election to fill her vacant seat. "I miss seeing her when I come to vote, miss having a chance to chat with her," said Rep. Ed Pastor, D-Ariz., who said he worked closely with Giffords on appropriations issues. "I miss her smile." Rep. Ra�ijalva, D-Ariz., said he hopes Giffords' seat is filled by Democrat Ron Barber, Giffords' former district director who is in a heated battle with Republican Jesse Kelly. In the interim, Giffords' former staff continues to work ... Continue reading →