Prop 46 author receives death threats

DANVILLE, Calif. -- Bob Pack is the man behind a controversial ballot measure dealing with healthcare issues. Now, he's been forced to limit his campaigning and hire around the clock security all because of a very real death threat.

Bob Pack of Danville wrote Prop 46, which takes on medical malpractice caps and doctor drug testing. It's become this year's most contentious ballot measure. He never thought it would come to this -- having to worry about his family's safety over a ballot measure.

"It was very specific against my family and it gave us a warning," Pack said.

Prop 46 author Pack says the death threat, left on his voicemail, left him sick to his stomach. Not only did the caller threaten to kill his wife and young daughter, but he also mentioned Pack's two dead children, Troy and Alana, killed by a driver under the influence of prescription drugs and alcohol 11 years ago.

"It's sad that, knowing what happened to us already, that he would take a threat to do more harm to us," Pack said.

The caller demanded that Pack back off on Prop 46, which would raise the state's cap on medical malpractice awards, require doctors to take random drug tests and mandate the use of a database designed to reduce prescription drug abuse.

Although the caller has since been identified and questioned by authorities, Pack isn't taking any chances. He and his family are under 24 hour protection by the sheriff's department. He also pulled the campaign ad that featured him and is more careful about scheduling public appearances.

We asked Pack if the person who left the message achieved what he wanted to achieve. He replied, "You know, maybe. I'm hoping that the public will look beyond it and learn about the proposition and vote for it on what they believe."

The sheriff's department isn't releasing the suspect's name, but they did say he is 49 years old and from Concord.