"All praise to Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty who has become the nation's leading governor when it comes to resisting the Bush administration's prescription drug policies. Specifically, the Republican governor has drawn a line regarding importation of drugs from Canada, a practice, he says, which has saved Minnesotans and others millions of dollars.

Pawlenty made his drug line a little thicker this week when he suggested that as a last resort he might negotiate with American Indian tribes in order to continue drug importation from Canada if the Bush administration tries to shut down Minnesota's program that directs customers to Canadian pharmacies. The tribes would function as wholesalers under his last-ditch option. They could do so because they have sovereign nation status.

The tribal proposal is preliminary, the governor said. But it is a viable option. Maine has proposed a similar arrangement with a tribe there."

Get the Story:
Forum editorial: Pawlenty's drug option turns heads (The Fargo Forum 2/18)
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