Could the meningitis outbreak cause by the Brown backed compounding company hurt MORE facing Markey [View all]

[karynnj]

Last fall, there was a major meningitis outbreak, that killed at least 25 people, that was caused by tainted drugs produced by a Framingham, MA company. In the fall election, this caused Brown a little trouble as he had joined other senators in signing a letter earlier asking to reduce regulations on these companies. He also got $10,000 from them in campaign donations and the head of the company had a fund raiser for him. (no quid pro quo was proven)

Here is an article from then:

http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/editorspick_mobile/x1890061861/Editorial-Campaign-cash-taints-regulatory-decisions

Note the representative who was arguing that regulation was needed - Markey.

This is back in the news today. Governor Patrick is proprosing a new set of regulations that Rep Markey is praising:

Patrick said today he's filing a bill that would require compounding pharmacies obtain a special state license, create whistleblower protections for pharmacy workers, hire more inspectors and enforce new fines and penalties for compounding pharmacies that break the rules.
Patrick's bill would also mandate licenses for out-of-state pharmacies that do business in Massachusetts and require compounding pharmacies report to an overhauled 11-member oversight board whenever they come under investigation by other states or the federal government.
<snip - Markey, who represents Framingham, praised the proposal and spoke of his own legislation that he is working on.>

“Governor Patrick’s legislation will ensure that Massachusetts compounding pharmacies do not hurt more families, and my legislation cleans up compounding pharmacies in the rest of the country as well,” said Rep. Markey. “These two actions on the state and federal level will serve as a one-two punch against the failings of the compounding industry and protect the health of patients everywhere.”

In November, Markey introduced the Verifying Authority and Legality in Drug (VALID) Compounding Act to the House of Representatives. This would give the Food and Drug Administration clear authority to oversee compounding pharmacy practices throughout the country, said the statement.

Read more: http://www.metrowestdailynews.com/news/x1353229555/Governor-proposes-new-compounding-pharmacy-rules#ixzz2H83Vz9Ky

Last fall, Markey was a leading voice speaking of this regulatory "black hole", blaming Mitt Romney.
http://www.salon.com/2012/10/30/romneys_lax_regulation_fueled_meningitis_outbreak/

Just as there was a clear distinction of Brown being a Wall Street favorite, who traded his Dodd/Frank bill for saving the banks about $19 billion to be paid instead by the treasury and Elizabeth Warren, who fought for regulation of the banks - this is Brown, who - at minimum called for weakening regulation vs Markey, who is a leader on fighting for regulation.