Will state lawmakers have the moxy to withstand the onslaught of the drug-makers lobby and pass a bill that would actually lower the cost of medication in West Virginia?

It looks like it.

Gov. Bob Wise called a special session to do just that, starting Monday.

The legislature had caved-in to the smoke and mirrors of the drug corporations last session and the protectionist positions of the Bush administration.

The drug makers set up a West Virginia web site they said would help consumers save money.

It had little effect, if any.

Lawmakers could vote on a landmark plan to bring low-cost prescriptions to West Virginia residents.

The agenda includes a proposal recommended by the newly created state Pharmaceutical Cost Management Council.

They have drafted a plan that would allow the state to negotiate prices with drug makers with the deeply discounted Federal Supply Schedule as a benchmark.

Speaker Bob Kiss said it could be up to three years before the plan could be activated.