"Other Interests"

Billy Tauzin, president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, has resigned, effective in June, reports the Wall Street Journal. The Journal points out that Tauzin had been "taking criticism for his support of the White House's now-teetering plan to overhaul health care." Though Tauzin's departure is so that he can pursue "other interests," NPR's Shots blog notes that "it appears he may also be on the outs with some of the companies he represents in Washington" due to Tauzin's deals with Democrats on healthcare reform. Prior to joining PhRMA in January 2005, Tauzin represented Louisiana and chaired the House committee that oversaw healthcare.