Despite ridicule, Lowden keeps up 'bartering' claims

Nevada Senate candidate Sue Lowden (R) doubled down on her claim that bartering is an effective way to lower the cost of healthcare.

During an interview with Las Vegas radio host Alan Stock Tuesday morning, she said bartering for healthcare was common practice throughout the country.

"The truth of the matter is there is bartering going on in this state and in the country," Lowden said, according to a transcript posted by the Las Vegas Sun. "It has been going on for years and it was a casual statement talking about the reality of what's going on, and not in a negative way by the way. This is something ... you know when I talk about bartering like you said it's also bargaining for the price, asking doctors if there's a different price if you're paying cash or paying by check. We know this is going on."

Lowden was considered one of the leading Republicans vying to challenge Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (Nev.).

During the interview, she tried to turn the notion of bartering for healthcare into a line of attack against Reid.

"It takes place throughout the country and that Harry Reid has been attacking me for saying something like that and the truth is it is happening and that's how out of touch he is," she said.

Lowden may be better off dropping the subject. Her bartering comments have drawn national ridicule. Take a look at this clip from Monday's episode of Comedy Central's "Colbert Report."