Political recriminations linger over health care

[March 24, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin is accusing Republicans of engaging in a "political exercise" by slowing progress on a bill designed to complete congressional passage of the health system overhaul.

The Illinois Democrat said the GOP should accept the sweeping medical system remake that President Barack Obama signed inito law Tuesday. Sen. Jim DeMint said Republicans, who unanimously opposed the plan in the late-stage Hill votes, would not back down.

The South Carolinian, appearing with his Illinois colleague Wednesday on NBC's "Today" show, said "Americans are very angry" and he accused Obama and majority Democrats of pushing big government.

At one point, DeMint asked, "Do we really want the government running all areas of our lives?"

[Associated Press; By ERICA WERNER]

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