Playing games on medical malpractice

The Republican legislature, acting after the State Supreme Court said state medical malpractice limits were unconstitutional, did what it is best at -- passing another bill that is guaranteed to be vetoed by Gov. Jim Doyle.

Apparently, they want to run against Doyle's vetoes next year, rather than on a record of having cooperated to accomplish something for the people of Wisconsin.

The old limit the court found unconstitutional was $445,755. The bill just passed would raise it all the way to $450,000 for adults. Gee, why go that far? Why not try for $445,775.01? As long as you're playing games, why not go all the way?

Meanwhile, as the media portrays the issue as a battle between doctors and lawyers, here's a reminder that the real winners and losers are insurance companies and victims of malpractice.