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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- The Democratic candidate in the race for Congress in the new 24th District is warning that victories for Republicans, like incumbent Ann Marie Buerkle, could spell the end of Medicare as we know it. Former Congressman Dan Maffei's comments came as the Medicare system marked its 47th anniversary.

Maffei and his supporters claim a GOP budget plan would shift Medicare to a voucher system that could jeopardize the care available to future retirees.

"The money they would save, by drastically cutting Medicare, would go to continuing to pay for these tax cuts for the wealthiest Americans. They would even cut benefits for current beneficiaries. Current Medicare beneficiaries would see a cut under the Republican plan, supported by Ann Marie Buerkle," said Dan Maffei, (D) Congressional Candidate.

Ann Marie Buerkle and other Republicans have labeled the Democratic claims "scare tactics." Maffei says he is not trying to frighten seniors and others. He's just trying, he says, to make them aware of what lies ahead.