MADISON, Wis. -- Senior citizens aren't the only ones looking north for cheaper prescription drugs.

Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle, one of a handful of governors looking to import drugs from Canada, met with a Canadian drug representative Tuesday afternoon.

Video

Doyle: "I Wouldn't Think Twice About Standards In Canada."

Right now, the state of Wisconsin spends more than $700 million on drugs a year. Illinois estimates it could save as much as $85 million with re-importation.

Doyle said he'd like to combine efforts with other Midwest governors and then go forward.

PRESCRIPTION DRUGS Charts: Top 50 Drugs | Generic Costs Survey: How Much Do You Spend? COST IN CANADA Are prescriptions less expensive in Canada? Table: Compare Costs | Snapshot Survey: Would You Cross The Border? Discussion: Legalize Reimportation?

Federal officials in Madison, Wis., Monday not only questioned the legality, but the safety of Canadian drugs.

"We don't know anything about the strength, quality or purity," said Tom McGinnis, of the Food and Drug Administration. "I would not take any of those medications myself."

Doyle said buying Canadian drugs could be legal, despite what the FDA says.

"I just believe that if I was traveling through Canada and I got ill and I went to a hospital, I wouldn't think twice about the standards in Canada," Doyle said.

Like everywhere else, the state's costs just keeping going up and up and Doyle said he's frustrated FDA officials are trying to block this plan instead of finding solutions to the cost crisis.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty postponed a meeting with Doyle Monday, but the two will meet soon to discuss this issue, among others.

Many seniors have already turned to Canada for their prescriptions, buying them online. American businesses are popping up across the country, including Wisconsin, to help people place their orders.

The Bush administration says the real answer is a prescription drug benefit in Medicare, but there's big money at stake. In this campaign cycle alone, the president has taken nearly $400,000 from pharmaceutical companies. That's more than four times any other candidate for the House, the Senate or the presidency.

Doyle said if Canada isn't the answer, he just wishes the feds would help him find one.

Discuss: Should Drug Reimportation Be Legal?