Consumer Advocates Will Not Proceed With Prescription Drug Bulk Discount Initiative

Consumer Advocates Will Not Proceed With Prescription Drug Bulk Discount Initiative

3/22/2005 1:09:00 PM

To: State Desk and Medical Reporter

Contact: Jamie Court, 310-392-0522 ext. 327, or Jerry Flanagan, 310-392-0522 ext. 319

SANTA MONICA, Calif., March 22 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Consumer advocates with Election Watchdog announced today that they had received from the California Attorney General the title and summary of their prescription drug reform necessary for circulation of a ballot petition, but have decided they will not proceed to collect signatures for the measure.

Election Watchdog noted its lack of resources and the strong public opposition to Schwarzenegger's proposed special election as reasons for not proceeding with signature gathering. Recent polls show the public is overwhelmingly against the $70 million price tag of the extra election.

"With more than 80 initiatives pending, including many partisan and self-serving measures, this crowded, confusing ballot is likely to receive a thumbs down across the board from the public," said Jerry Flanagan, the proponent of the initiative. "The drug industry should, however, recognize that if it is a continued roadblock to reform and a threat to the public interest, it will likely face a similar measure on a future ballot."

Election Watchdog is a political action committee sponsored by Consumer Watchdog, a nonprofit public benefit corporation organized in California. Election Watchdog was organized to protect consumers' interests in the ballot initiative process and does not take positions on candidate elections. Consumer Watchdog is the advocacy and campaign affiliate of the Foundation for Taxpayer and Consumer Rights (FTCR). Learn more at http://www.ElectionWatchdog.org

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