A California ballot measure that would cap how much the state spends on prescription medications for millions of people was trailing in early returns.
About 54 percent of 3.2 million votes counted Tuesday opposed Proposition 61.
The initiative seeks to bar some state agencies from paying more for a drug than the lowest price paid by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, which receives deep discounts.
Proposition 61 drew the most spending of the 17 statewide ballot measures, with the pharmaceutical industry pouring in $109 million to defeat it. Opponents said it would reduce access to medicines and raise prices for veterans and others.
Backers said approval would save the state money and could lead to lower drug costs elsewhere
Copyright AP - Associated Press
