11/26/2003

WASHINGTON - Sen. Patty Murray voted against the Medicare prescription drug bill approved Tuesday by the U.S. Senate, calling it a flawed measure that would provide only "meager" help for the elderly.

Washington state's other Democratic senator, Maria Cantwell, also voted against the legislation, which now heads to the White House for President Bush's signature.

But it was Murray's vote that could have immediate political implications, as the two-term senator is up for re-election next year. In opposing the measure, Murray (D-Shoreline) finds herself at odds with AARP and the main doctor and hospital associations, insurance companies and HMOs in the state. Organized labor was among the groups that opposed the bill.

"This bill represents tremendous uncertainty for Washington state seniors," Murray said in a statement. "Under this plan our seniors will face increased costs, higher out-of-pocket expenses, and many could lose their traditional Medicare coverage.

"This bill will radically change health care delivery for seniors in Washington state, instead of simply providing the drug benefit that seniors asked for," she said.

Republicans were quick to pounce.

U.S. Rep. George Nethercutt (R-Spokane), seeking the Republican nomination to challenge Murray , said her opposition to the Medicare bill "continues her record of choosing partisan politics over good policy. Even with bipartisan legislation that finally offers Washington seniors a prescription drug benefit through Medicare, Senator Murray towed the party line instead of doing what's right for seniors."

Nethercutt supported the bill.

Washington state Republican Chairman Chris Vance said Murray 's vote will be an issue in the upcoming campaign.

"It will come back to haunt her and all Democrats," Vance said.

Murray , however, said there could be a backlash against Republicans who supported the bill and Bush.

"Don't take my word for it," she said. "As this bill begins to take effect over the next several years, seniors will feel the pinch."

Cantwell (D-Edmonds) said the bill was a mistake that falls short of delivering an adequate prescription drug benefit.

"I cannot support a Medicare prescription drug bill that fails to bring down the cost of prescription drugs for seniors and fails to ensure the future stability of Medicare," Cantwell said.