At 90, Quie Still Engaged In Issues Of The Day

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Al Quie is Minnesota's longest-living former governor, having just turned 90 years old on Wednesday.

Quie remains keenly involved in the debate on issues of the day, such as the Affordable Care Act.

Quie agrees with fellow Republicans that bringing down the high cost of health care is a top priority.

"Medical care is too expensive," he told WCCO.

But Quie also agrees with Democrats and others regarding the concept of universal health care.

"Medical care has to be available for everyone, some way or another," he said, adding that he learned that lesson from his father a long time ago. "When we went to the dentist he paid more for the dental care than a lot of other people because the dentist told him, 'You can afford it, Albert, and they can't.' And that's the way I'd do it."

The nonagenarian former governor and congressman says it would be wrong to scrap the Affordable Care Act altogether, but he would support changes, including efforts to lower costs, one more example supporting Quie's lifelong reputation as a bridge-building politician.