that would eventually turn the program into a voucher system. >> forced to go into the medicare system. >> reporter: meehan is explaining his vote to constituents, many of whom are seniors. >> what ryan is talking about doing is saying we are going to keep our commitment to the senior citizens but we are also going to have to look down at this program to strengthen it and preserve it for this next generation. >> reporter: overhauling medicare, republicans say, is the only way to keep america from going bankrupt, but say the words medicare reform to some of meehan's constituents and you'll hear this -- >> reform usually means cutting benefits. if it's cutting benefits, no i do not want that. >> reporter: democrats see political opportunity and they are putting out ads. this had one's running on the internet. >> you missed a spot. >> reporter: last election cycle, democrats were on the other side of this, slammed by republicans. >> i think it inflicts deep cuts in medicare for seniors. >> reporter: for cuts to medicare advantage plans under their overhaul of health care. now, republicans like meehan,