Special Election Draws Nationwide Attention, Viewed as ‘Prelude to Battles’ on Several Issues
The Los Angeles Times on Sunday examined the November special election, which has begun attracting attention and money from special interest and political groups nationwide that "see the campaign as a way to invigorate their efforts in 2006 and beyond."
Eight initiatives have qualified for the statewide ballot, including one proposal that would require parental notification for abortions and two prescription drug measures. With the two competing measures, the pharmaceutical industry and consumer groups "are waging a battle over prescription drugs that both sides consider a test case for fights in Congress and elsewhere," the Times reports.
Anthony Wright, executive director of Health Access California, said he has had "at least one or two conversations a day with people in [Washington, D.C.] and other states" interested in the competing ballot measures on prescription drug discounts. "All of my colleagues in other states know a victory in California would have national implications in terms of the attempt to bring down the cost of prescription drugs," Wright said.
According to the Times, "much about the election remains uncertain -- including how vigorously the two major political parties will go at each other" (Barabak, Los Angeles Times, 7/3).