Perkins to take postcards to session

Thursday, July 25, 2002 | 10:52 a.m.

The public relations battle over medical malpractice reached a new height this morning as a mountain of mail was delivered to Assembly Speaker Richard Perkins.

Perkins, D-Henderson, planned to go to a press conference at the Valley Auto Mall late this morning because, he said, he wanted the public to know he is concerned about what they think.

Doctors have been encouraging patients throughout Clark County to send postcards to legislative leaders demanding tort reform as a way to "help me keep my doctor."

When Sunny 106.5-FM radio station got behind the grass roots lobbying, the postal delivery bulged to more than 50,000 pieces, according to the public relations firm representing the doctors.

Perkins said this morning he agreed to attend the press conference and accept the mail, "because I've lived here all of my life and I care about what residents think."

Assembly Democrats are crafting their own bill for Monday's special session of the Legislature -- one that will include a cap on non-economic damages, but not the $250,000 limit doctors are demanding.

Perkins said he will give consideration to the mail, but he is not committed to supporting the type of reform outlined in the postcard before the legislative hearings begin next week.