PPACA separates potential GOP 2016 contenders

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker gestures as he speaks at the 40th annual Conservative Political Action Conference. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster, File)

MACKINAC ISLAND, Mich. (AP) — A clear divide over the health care law separates the emerging field of potential GOP candidates for the 2016 presidential race, previewing the battles ahead as they try to rebuild their party and seize the White House.

U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz says he will fight “with every breath” to stop President Barack Obama’s signature domestic achievement, even if that means shutting down parts of the federal government. It’s an approach that former Florida Gov. Jeb Bush calls “quite dicey” politically for Republicans. Sen. Rand Paul of Kentucky says flatly that a shutdown is “a dumb idea.”