Oregon Public Broadcasting

Oregon Democratic candidate for governor John Kitzhaber is warning that current Congressional efforts to overhaul health care won't be enough to rein in costs. 

He made his remarks Wednesday at his first major public appearance since entering the governor's race. Salem Correspondent Chris Lehman reports.

In two terms as Oregon governor and since leaving office, Kitzhaber has been deeply involved in health care issues. 

His efforts to get his old job back come as Congress and Democratic President Barack Obama are working on an overhaul to the nation's health care system. 

Kitzhaber told the Portland Business Alliance that lawmakers are mistaken if they mostly focus on making health insurance more affordable.

John Kitzhaber:  "I don't think it's going to solve the problem.  It may do some very positive things in terms of opening up the insurance market, and I'm all for that, but ultimately we're going to have to change the way we deliver health care in America."

He said that means reducing costs by putting more money toward preventative care. 

At a later event Kitzhaber received endorsements from several statewide political leaders including Attorney General John Kroger.  That announcement comes on the eve of former Oregon Secretary of State Bill Bradbury's expected entry into the race for the Democratic nomination for Governor.

Three Republicans are also running.