Former California Surgery Center Owner Dr. Sam Aanestad Considers Congress Run

Sam Aanestad, DDS, an oral surgeon and former surgery center owner, said he expects to announce early next week his decision about running for Congress, according to a Chico Enterprise Record report.

Dr. Aanestad sold his practice and the surgery center he owned in December. He said he wants to see "some real competition" for the congressional seat in the June primary. He spent 12 years in the Legislature as a former state Senator.

Dr. Aanestad supported bills to make healthcare more affordable by dismantling the monopoly created by large health insurers. He said the solution to high healthcare costs is to create more competition among insurers. He said a single-payor healthcare system or universal coverage will only serve to limit healthcare access.

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This article was revised May 14, 2012, to reflect the following correction: An earlier version of the article included an MD title for Dr. Sam Aanestad. Dr. Aanestad has a DDS title.

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