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Anticipating a takeover of Congress, Republicans have assembled an economic agenda that reflects their small-government, anti-regulation philosophy, but also suggests internal divisions that could hinder a united front against President Obama ... The proposals would mainly benefit energy industries, reduce taxes and regulations for businesses generally, and continue the attack on the Affordable Care Act. It is a mix that leaves many economists, including several conservatives, underwhelmed. ... Omitted were two of House Republicans’ most far-reaching and divisive proposals: repeal of the president’s Affordable Care Act — senators instead propose changes to its employer mandates — and the so-called Ryan Plan, a long-term budget to revamp Medicare and Medicaid and significantly reduce other domestic and military spending enough to balance the budget in 10 years, while sharply cutting taxes. That House budget never gained much support among Senate Republicans. (Calmes, 10/22)

In a matter of weeks, the midterm election will determine the balance of legislative power between Democrats and Republicans. With many observers expecting Republicans to win enough seats to gain control of Congress, could the party repeal the Affordable Care Act? First, let's take a look at the math. (Wilson, 10/22)

In their first debate before the Nov. 4 election, Democratic U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson and his Republican challenger, state Sen. Torrey Westrom, repeatedly clashed over health care. But not unlike other Republican candidates across the nation, Westrom, of Elbow Lake, repeatedly tried to link his opponent to President Barack Obama, whom he attacked during the 30-minute debate. (Gunderson, 10/22)

Small business owners from throughout the state who say the Affordable Care Act has resulted in drastic increases in the cost to insure their employees joined U.S. Senate candidate Mike McFadden Wednesday to decry the legislation, while McFadden himself acknowledged relief likely wouldn’t come quickly. (Simons, 10/22)

One of the country’s leading medical journals is withdrawing support for a Brigham and Women’s Hospital physician nominated by President Obama to become the next surgeon general. The New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) endorsed Vivek Murthy in May, but an editorial published Wednesday withdraws that support. (Bebinger and Becker, 10/22)