21.   But Massachusetts is not the only state that has long been pursuing a solution to such drug costs.

22.   But Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., said he had seen no indication of how Bush would obtain discounts or help control drug costs.

23.   But sharply rising drug costs have made it difficult for HMOs to maintain this benefit.

24.   But the free market we have functions badly, producing obscenely high prescription drug costs beyond the reach of ordinary retirees on fixed incomes.

25.   But that coverage is often limited or unreliable, and one-third of the elderly have no insurance at all for prescription drug costs.

26.   But voter surveys indicate that the question of how to protect older Americans from crushing prescription drug costs is among the most potent campaign issues.

27.   California seniors got similar help on drug costs this year when state Sen. Jackie Speier got a cleverly crafted bill made into law.

28.   Clinton said that all Medicare beneficiaries should have access to an affordable option for insurance coverage of prescription drug costs.

29.   Critics, who note that the Tufts Center gets money from drug companies, say those figures are inflated to justify high drug costs.

30.   Democrats and some Republicans say it is absurd for the government to establish a program of drug benefits without taking steps to limit drug costs.