Maine first, probably not last

WASHINGTON - High drug costs, especially for senior citizens, is gaining traction as one of the most significant political issues for the U.S. elections in November, and with the prospect for federal action uncertain, state legislatures across the country are stirring. Maine is furthest along, but other, more populous states are not far behind.

Both houses of the Maine state assembly have passed legislation prohibiting the sale of prescription drugs at prices above those charged in Canada, where there are federal price controls. Gov. Angus King, an independent, has not indicated if he will sign the bill. A delegation of biotech CEOs and physicians met with King last week urging him to veto the bill, warning that it could reduce access to drugs in the short-term and put the state's efforts to attract biomedical companies at risk. ...