KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- Former Republican presidential candidate Bob Dole says a top GOP leader asked him not to publicly support healthcare reform. But he's doing so anyway.
The former Kansas senator said Wednesday that healthcare reform is "one of the most important measures members of Congress will vote on in their lifetimes."
Dole opposes a government-run insurance option, saying it could put private insurers out of business. He expects something to pass by early 2010.
Dole spoke at a healthcare summit in Kansas City. He said afterward that some Republicans have asked him to stay mum including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.
The Kentucky senator's spokesman denied the claim. He said McConnell hasn't spoken with Dole recently and agrees that reform is needed.
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