(Columbia-AP) Feb. 24, 2004 - Republican US Senate hopeful Jim DeMint says he will work to give South Carolinians greater control of health care spending.
DeMint told the South Carolina Association of Health Underwriters on Monday night that the best way to reduce health care costs and improve access is to give individuals more freedom and options.
DeMint says he wants to expand the use of health savings accounts that allow people to save money for future medical expenses tax-free.
He's seeking to replace retiring Democrat Senator Ernest "Fritz" Hollings.
Other Republican candidates are former South Carolina Attorney General Charlie Condon, former Governor David Beasley, Charleston developer Thomas Ravenel, Myrtle Beach Mayor Mark McBride and Bluffton businesswoman Orly Benny Davis.
Democratic candidates are state Education Superintendent Inez Tenenbaum and Marcus Belk of Camden.
posted 8:07am by Chris Rees
