Republican Massachusetts Sen. Scott Brown has been quick to invoke the legacy of the late Democratic Sen. Edward Kennedy in the fight over whether to exempt religiously affiliated institutions from mandated birth control coverage.
Brown, who famously won the 2010 special election to succeed Kennedy by declaring his office "the people's seat," said Kennedy's efforts to exempt Catholic doctors, nurses and hospitals from medical procedures that violate their religious teachings mirrors his own efforts.
Brown has backed an amendment giving employers and insurers broad moral and religious exemptions in health coverage.
Democrats in Massachusetts, including Brown's chief rival, consumer advocate and Harvard professor Elizabeth Warren, are crying foul.
They say that while Kennedy was interested in protecting the rights of individuals, Brown is interested in protecting employers and health insurers.
© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.