In more than two decades in Congress, Upton, a moderate conservative, has often shown an independent streak. He supported expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, for example. However, last fall, under fire from conservatives, he tacked to the right in his successful effort to become chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee.
Portman, a House member from 1993 to 2005, was White House budget director and US trade representative under former US president George W. Bush. In Congress, he has worked well with Democrats — on pension and tax issues, for example — even as he has voted consistently with other Republicans.
Kyl, who delves into the details of legislation and policy, is a member of the Finance Committee and participated in deficit-reduction talks with US Vice President Joe Biden in May and June. He has resisted cuts in military spending and in Medicare payments to doctors and health-maintenance organizations.
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