NEWPORT, Ky. (AP) — Several U.S. Senate Democratic hopefuls staked out their health care positions Thursday night as they compete for a chance to challenge Republican Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell in the November election in Kentucky.

The forum featured retired Marine combat pilot Amy McGrath, state Rep. Charles Booker, retired Marine Mike Broihier and mental health counselor Jimmy Ausbrooks, the Courier Journal reported.

They offered a variety of ideas when asked about rising health care costs and their views on "Medicare for All," the Louisville newspaper reported.

Booker talked about his own experiences as a diabetic while expressing his support for Medicare for All. Broihier said he supports expanding the Affordable Care Act to include a public option. He added he would support Medicare for All if the ACA was repealed.

McGrath also backed the idea of adding a public option to the ACA.

McGrath voiced her support for Second Amendment rights during the forum, but added that she believes gun owners support more regulation of guns.

On foreign policy, Broihier said he believed the U.S. presence in Afghanistan was justified because of Osama bin Laden but that there was no need for the U.S. to invade Iraq.

McGrath said Congress needs to reassert its constitutional role in foreign policy.

The four participants at the forum are among a number of Democrats seeking their party's Senate nomination in the May primary.