Despite the resounding defeat of Measure #7 on Tuesday, I predict that the pharmacy ownership law issue isn’t done yet. In fact, I have heard that it could come up again, but in a manner which is not directly about allowing the large retail stores to have pharmacies. This could happen as soon as the…
Rick Olson: An Epitaph For Measure 7
The people of North Dakota finally had an opportunity on Tuesday to decide the fate of North Dakota’s protectionist pharmacy ownership law once and for all. Well, as many of you probably know, Measure #7 was soundly defeated in Tuesday’s general election. With all of the state’s precincts reporting, the measure was soundly defeated. Unofficial…
LegitSlater: 2014 Mid Term Election Reflection
It’s finally over. The ads have grown annoying, even for the candidates and measures I support. I am worn out from debating the issues in this election. I can only imagine how the candidates and committees feel as they have been living it for the past several months. As I write this (it’s Tuesday night,…
Anti-Measure 7 Campaign Literature Lacks Legally-Required Disclosure
In the Measure 5 debate the proponents recently made a major stink of the lack of a disclaimer complete legally-required disclaimer on campaign items being distributed by the American Petroleum Institute. It turns out API put a message indicating that the items had been paid for by their group, but they forgot to list a…
Sanford Suggests Yes Vote On Measure 7 To Employees
A SAB reader sends along the letter below which Sanford Health sent out to its employees via email today. The letter, signed by Sanford Bismarck President Craig Lambrecht, urges employees to vote yes on Measure 7 which would repeal North Dakota’s pharmacy protection law. Lambrecht argues that approving Measure 7 would allow Sanford to expand…
Matt Evans: I've Changed My Mind On Measure 7
I changed my mind about Measure 7 I’ve been in favor of Measure 7 – the ballot initiative that would repeal North Dakota’s pharmacy protection law — for a long time. I can’t quite recall for sure, but I think it has come up in past elections, and if it did, I surely voted to…
Measure 7 Opponents Continue To Flout Campaign Finance Laws
Earlier this month I wrote about the North Dakotans for Prescription Facts, a group formed to oppose Measure 7 on the statewide ballot, not having filed any campaign finance disclosures with the Secretary of State nearly two weeks after the deadline. When I contacted the chairman of the group – Fargo-area pharmacist Dave Olig – he…
The Only People Measure 7 Protects Is Rich North Dakota Pharmacists
Measure 7 on the ballot next week would repeal North Dakota’s pharmacy protection law which prohibits ownership of pharmacies by non-pharmacists. Not surprisingly, the people who already own pharmacies in North Dakota love the law. And why wouldn’t they? It severely limits competition. Maybe I should lobby for a bill to prohibit the access of…
LegitSlater: My Take on the Measures- 7 and 8
This post wraps up my take on the initiated measures on the November ballot. In week 1 I addressed Measures 1, 2, and 3 (Yes, Yes, and Yes). Last week I covered Measures 4, 5, and 6 (Yes, No, and Yes). This week I’ll finish up with 7 and 8. MEASURE 7 What it says: This initiated…
Amanda Godfread: Clearing Up Myths About Measure 7
In discussions surrounding Measure 7, a number of myths have been stated as facts. In an effort to correct information for voters and pharmacy consumers leading up to November 4, North Dakotans for Lower Pharmacy Prices has put together the following “Myth vs. Fact” list: Myth #1: If Measure 7 passes then independent pharmacies will…