LITTLE ROCK, Ark. — Democrats Mark Pryor and Mike Ross took different positions on the president's federal health overhaul plan when it came before Congress four years ago. But, running in the two hottest races in Arkansas this fall, both find themselves under attack on the issue and navigating around it as they struggle to prevent a complete Republican takeover of the state's top offices.
Pryor, running for re-election to the Senate, and Ross, a former congressman running for governor, are facing Republican opponents touting an "Obamacare" message. Both Democrats are trying to embrace part of a law that is generally unpopular in Arkansas but that is helping thousands in the state gain coverage.
Experts say the challenge for the two will be focusing on the law's specifics and not just its unpopular label.