Democratic donor Baron has cancer, son says

[rpannier]

DALLAS — Fred Baron, a well-known Texas attorney and prominent Democratic fundraiser who was linked to the John Edwards mistress scandal, has late-stage cancer and is close to dying, his son said.

Andrew Baron said his father's declining health prompted prominent figures such as former President Bill Clinton and cyclist Lance Armstrong to push for a special, one-time use of a drug not approved to treat his disease. But Boston-based drug maker Biogen Idec Inc. said Wednesday it turned down those pleas because the regulatory risk is too great

Baron, 61, was the national finance chairman for Edwards when he ran for president. Baron has bankrolled millions for Democrats in Texas, almost single-handedly rescuing the party from financial catastrophe. Since the 2006 election Baron and his wife, Lisa Blue, have contributed some $2 million to Democratic candidates and liberal causes, records show.

snip

Baron has end-stage multiple myeloma and "there is no time left," Andrew Baron wrote on his Web site Dembot.com. He said doctors last week gave his father "24-48 hours to live." A message for Andrew Baron through e-mail was not immediately returned Wednesday.

link:
http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/ap/tx/6060566.html

[aquart]

1. "Regulatory risk"?

What does that mean?

[rpannier]

2. I'm guessing fear of a lawsuit

That's the only thing I can think of.

Although I'm not sure who would sue.
He wants to take the medicine.