Republicans Find They Have to Sell Drug Benefit Plan

By ROBIN TONER and ROBERT PEAR

Published: December 5, 2005

WASHINGTON, Dec. 4 - Under the normal rules of politics, Congressional Republicans ought to be doing victory laps these days because of the new Medicare drug benefit, accepting the gratitude of the nation's retirees.

Instead, at meetings around the country, they are trying to ease widespread confusion and apprehension about a program that strikes many retirees as dauntingly complex. At a forum in Louisville, Ky., last week, Representative Anne M. Northup, a Republican, tried to reassure about 300 intensely attentive retirees. "I encourage you not to be discouraged," Ms. Northup said, soothingly. "If you feel like you don't know where to go, please call my office."