Kennedy leads renewed effort on universal healthcare

Massachusetts Sen. Edward M. Kennedy's office has begun convening a series of meetings involving an array of healthcare specialists to begin laying the groundwork for a new attempt to provide universal healthcare. Those involved in the discussions said Kennedy believes it is extremely important to move as quickly as possible on overhauling the healthcare system after the next president takes office in January. Kennedy was an early endorser of Senator Barack Obama, and if he is elected Kennedy's effort to identify points of agreement among senators could smooth the way for the new administration to press ahead on universal healthcare.