FLORENCE, S.C. - Changing laws that govern malpractice lawsuits and damage awards is key to saving the country's health care system, U.S. Senate candidate Charlie Condon said Monday.

"Some members of America's legal profession have gone off a cliff, and they are taking the American economy along for a disastrous ride," he said. Condon, a former state attorney general, is running for the Republican nomination for the seat being vacated by retiring Sen. Ernest "Fritz" Hollings, D-S.C.

Lawsuit abuse has led to billions of dollars in payoffs, Condon said, and the lure of big cash settlements or jury awards has led to more suits.

He said he supports efforts to allow class-action lawsuits to be held in federal courts and to set a $250,000 cap on damages awarded in medical malpractice suits.

Condon faces U.S. Rep. Jim DeMint, Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride and Charleston real estate developer Thomas Ravenel in the June GOP Senate primary. Democrats seeking Hollings' seat are state Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum and Camden native Marcus Belk.