Liability reform threat of Michigan Democrat win

Triumphant Michigan, USA, Democrats intend to celebrate taking control of the state legislature by repealing legislation that prevents drugmakers from being sued in cases where products have been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This local effect of the recent victories by US Democrats in both federal and statewide elections (Marketletters passim) has been criticized by the Detroit News on-line newspaper, especially the economic consequences for the mid-western US state.

The proposed law change was described in a Detroit News editorial as: "a target for the Michigan Trial Lawyers Association and its allies in the legislature." The state's Chamber of Commerce estimates that the drug industry employs 12,000 people at an average annual income of $60,000 each.