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WASHINGTON — In a far-ranging debate that touched on everything from border control issues to TikTok, Republican presidential candidates could not escape hotly contested health care cost issues.

The second GOP primary debate, still missing lead candidate Donald Trump, spanned drug prices, the opioid crisis, gender affirming care, and even the notion to resurrect Obamacare repeal attempts.

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A question about that latter issue went to former Vice President Mike Pence, who suggested he’d be ready to peel back Affordable Care Act authorities in the name of states’ rights.

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