The Republican candidates for governor unanimously oppose the health care overhaul being debated in Washington, and most say they would withdraw Illinois from the program if possible.

Meeting Thursday in their first debate, the Republicans argued against government taking a bigger role in health care.

Hinsdale Sen. Kirk Dillard called it "socialized medicine."

Some health care plans being discussed would offer a "public option" to provide insurance for people who can't get coverage elsewhere. One idea is to let states choose not to participate in that public program.

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Six of the seven candidates said they would fight not to take part in the public option if they were elected.

Jim Ryan was the only dissenter. He says he hasn't studied the proposal closely enough to decide.