I'm definitely hearing that. We're hearing that from all over the state, not just in the Houston area.

We need a system where everyone is guaranteed that they can get coverage, and where everybody can get it at the same price. In a world like that, we can come up with a system to finance that, whether it's through the tax base or through employers.

States are moving in this direction. It's cheaper and, just as important, what most seniors want.

The program has met with equal success in metropolitan areas including Atlanta, Orlando, Minneapolis, Houston and in small communities across the country. We believe it will be an important addition to the training of young people in this area.

My takeaway message from the weekend is that you're hearing a real shift, ... It could not be further from the rhetoric of the first Bush administration. We're talking about a fundamental shift.

We started hearing about all the heartbreak people were going through and that's when we learned what kind of shape New Orleans was really in. Up until that point, we were still thinking we were going to be able to go back.