1.   As a result, Cigna said, ERISA bars state laws that impose restrictions on HMO membership as well as lawsuits seeking damages for past doctor choices.

2.   But Barnes often speaks to female audiences about doctor choice and the right to sue managed-care companies that wrongly deny needed care.

3.   He adopted most of the provisions in the bill except for doctor choice, which required legislative action.

4.   He also said Sharp supports reduced class sizes and doctor choice, though they could differ on significant details.

5.   He also attempted to deflect criticism that his plan will result in less doctor choice, claiming that employers now choose the health plans their workers can have.

6.   In campaign stops this week, Mauro has only briefly mentioned doctor choice, and usually only when the issue has been raised by reporters.

7.   In the forefront are his plans to open HMO networks to more doctor choice and more lawsuits if patients are denied treatment.

8.   Mauro advocates a constitutional amendment guaranteeing doctor choice.

9.   Mauro said he has not changed his position on doctor choice and that he is still running a television spot on the issue.