Senators gather in South Florida for health care forum

HIALEAH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Several senators gathered in South Florida for more of the health care debate.

Senator John McCain, Minority Senate Leader Mitch McConnel and Mel Martinez held an invitation-only healthcare forum at Palmetto General Hospital on Tuesday.

All three senators agree that reform is necessary but that government intrusion should end. "People have the right to protest. People have the right to disagree, but I think, clearly, polling data shows the American people are very, very unhappy with the way this entire issue has been handled by the president and the democrats in congress," said McCain.

AFL-CIO union members demonstrated outside calling for a public option. "It's the only way to bring competition to the insurance companies," said one of the protesters.

This is one of the last public appearances by Mel Martinez as a senator, and the three senators later gathered at the Biltmore Hotel for a fundraiser.

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