Virginia Congressional Candidate Forbes Touts Support for Medicare Drug Benefit in Campaign Ad

Running to fill the House seat left open by the death of Rep. Norman Sisisky (D-Va.), Virginia state Sen. Randy Forbes (R) has released a television advertisement featuring his father, who has Parkinson's disease, as "an example of why he would support" adding a prescription drug benefit to Medicare. In the 30-second ad, titled "Best Parents," Forbes states: "Mom and Dad have been married for over 50 years, but now Dad has Parkinson's disease. The 10 medicines he takes every day help him keep going, but they're expensive -- and Medicare's not enough." He continues: "It's not right for seniors who've worked all their lives to struggle. ... I believe we have to strengthen and improve Medicare and make sure every senior can get the prescription medicine they need." Forbes will face state Sen. Louise Lucas (D) in the special election, set for June 19 (Braverman, NationalJournal.com, 6/1). To view the ad, go to http://video.cloakroom.com/2001archive/06/0601rfva1.rm. Note: You must have a current version of RealPlayer to view the ad.