Sparring for control. Providers express guarded optimism as both sides of the political aisle seek high ground on access issue, improvements in care.

In the wake of Medicare reform and proposals from President Bush, left, in the State of the Union address, healthcare is taking shape as a central issue in the 2004 presidential campaign as Democrats and the GOP wrestle to control the issue. Bush's plans won mixed reviews from providers, while Sen. Edward Kennedy offered a more sweeping approach to extending coverage to the uninsured.