Drug Company and HMO Lobbyists Try to Save Democrat in Massachusetts
by PubliusFrom Tim Carney in today’s Examiner:
With Democrat Martha Coakley in trouble in the Massachusetts special election to fill Ted Kennedy’s seat, Democrats could lose vote No. 60 for President Obama’s health-care bill. In response, an army of lobbyists for drug companies, health insurance companies, and hospitals has teamed up to throw a high-dollar Capitol Hill fundraiser for Coakley next Tuesday night.
COAKLEY –
Of the 22 names on the host committee–meaning they raised $10,000 or more for Coakley–17 are federally registered lobbyists, 15 of whom have health-care clients. Of the other five hosts, one is married to a lobbyist, one was a lobbyist in Pennsylvania, another is a lawyer at a lobbying firm, and another is a corporate CEO. Oh, and of course, there’s also the political action commitee for Boston Scientific Corporation.
All the leading drug companies have lobbyists on Coakley’s host committee: Pfizer, Merck, Amgen, Sanofi-Aventis, Eli Lilly, Novartis, Astra-Zeneca, and more. On the insurance side of things, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, HealthSouth, and United Health all are represented on the host committee.
Those HMOs (like Aetna) or drug companies who don’t have lobbyists in Coakley’s top tier of fundraisers? They’re covered, because the host committee includes four lobbyists representing the Pharmaceutical Researchers and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA), two representing America’s Health Insurance Plans (AHIP), and one representing the Biotechnology Industry Organization (BIO)
So think of these top donors to health-care reform’s 60th vote next time President Obama claims that he’s battling the special interests in this battle. The army listed below is on Obama’s side, and these clients will all benefit from “reform.”
Read more at the Washington Examiner here:
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133 Comments
Go Scott Brown!
illegitimi non carborundum
Agree. Go Scott! Is someone going to be keeping an eye on ACORN?
If the drug companies and insurance companies are for this "Obamacare" it doesn't take a genius to figure out it is bad for John Q Public.
Money equals voice in politics this is the system that both government parties built for power. It is outrageous the voice of the voters are silenced by the out of state interest. The are R & D are the Kings of our country and thus responsible for the corruption and it’s down fall.
They, The Dems, do NOT know how to create jobs or fix the economy but, they know how to throw parties!
Amazing how libs decry big business … the same big business which is schilling for Obummercare
I've sent money twice now ( from Texas ) and I know it's a long-shot, but I'll be content with a close one in a severely blue state that shouldn't even be up in the air. The political tide is shifting and it's great to witness. I hope for change in Massachusetts! Go Scott Brown, Go!
This is getting rather sordid. Obama publicly vilifies health insurance companies, yet this article indicates that they are supporting a bill that would supposedly stop them from "holding America hostage".
If this article is correct, it can only point to some unholy alliances and back-room deal-making that the public is unaware of. America is going to be royally screwed by this bill, but those details will only see the light of day well after the bill has passed. Americans deserve better than this from their government. At least, it *used* to be theirs.
Yup. The Insurance companies and Drug companies are IN LOVE with this Healthcare deal because it mandates million of new customers and loopholes.
In the mean time, what little choice we have now will get taken away from us.
What really kills me is that in a few years, when premiums are sky-high and costs are ballooning, Obama will nationalize them all and create "single-payer" without a single word of debate.
They have to say that. Remember, EVERYTHING the left says is a lie. Not a mis-quote, mis-understanding, or spin, it's a lie, flat out and too your face.
Because the Democrats truly think the people are stupid.
I can't even imagine the promises that have been made by the Corruptocrats to the Health Care industry. We are sooooooo screwed.
Scott Brown got endorsement from the MA Police Dept. That's huge. I too, donated money to him and I'm here in Texas also. I hope people in MA get off their butts and go vote for him.
This reform bill puts a lot of new regulations on the insurance industry, but it guarantees that our health care delivery system will remain funded in part by private insurance companies, and it has no public option. They know reform is coming and want to make it as painless as possible.
I will be voting… for health care reform, for jobs, for the future of our country.
Destruction of we the people is sponsored by the government political parties.
I am already given a choice between two evils so when will I have choice of one?
When will I be forced to vote for one at the point of your gun?
There are few things more sacred to a republic than representation. The one man one vote and all it’s citizens are represented equally promise. Why isn’t voter fraud hounded out of existence? Voter fraud is a direct assault on our republic, it can kill a nation. There is nothing more fraudulent than gerrymandering and it’s creation of an artificial majority based on party affiliation not representation to silence the dissention of we the people. It is one of the reason our congress does not listen to we the people. Gerrymandering is a creation of the government parties to protect their power and to turn representation into re-election.. The parties can not speak of freedom until districts are based on representation not party affiliation.
Paying protection money to the gangsters? Hey, big business, I know it was fun while it lasted, accepting the earnings of hard working people because you "bought" a few politicians. Well, now you know the truth. THEY are bigger than you! THEY OWN YOU! See how they make you grovel and pay tribute to avoid an even worse bill? First you paid to get fat, now you pay not to be slaughtered! And who do you blame? Ahh! The SYSTEM! (That you helped create). I would laugh if it weren't so disgusting and bound to affect a lot of innocent Americans.
Something else to outlaw after the (peaceful) revolution.
Well said Barb. I am beside myself about the voter registration fraud that is brushed off and ignored by both parties as well the gerrymandering (redistricting) and lack of true representation by both parties. I have three choices when I vote which I am starting to believe are actually two. Vote for the lesser of two evils 1)Dem or 2)Repub or 3)not to vote at all. Since there has been Little difference between the two parties as of late I have two choices, either I vote for the non-representative uniparty system or I don't vote.
I am pissed that the Repubs are saying nothing anymore about the border fence and increasing our border security on top of their support for amnesty by most repubs. They have let me down with the number of earmarks and spending they have engaged in during Bush's presidency and ignore my calls to their offices just the same as the Dem's do.
We the People need to remove lobbyist from DC all together along with the money that comes with them when they meet our elected officials in DC, In fact the lobbyist's need to go the way of the dodo bird !!! We need our elected officials back home listening to their contituents and ONLY receive money from their constituents!! No more money from outside of their districts for elections not even from the DNC/RNC this is the only way we can insure they are working for us and not lobbyist be it unions or any other group that could care less what the constituents want their elected officials to do.. We the people need to pick our politicians and not the DNC/RNC as they have no clue what We the People want, let the stick to Presidential elections only..
i will go to jail before i buy health care. if i need a doctor i do it the old fashioned way i will pay for it.
Since the socialists consolidated their power it has been more than amusing watching corporate CEO's fold like cheap suits. Big Pharma thinks they cut a deal to not have price controls imposed upon them with Obamacare, but, the administration is already undermining that by suggesting they will permit the availability of imported cheap subsidized Canadian drugs. GE is lined up for a big chunk of alternative energy contracts. Goldman Sachs greedily guns the market indexes for the Feds and collects the commissions. Add to the list of political collusion the media companies, GM, AARP, etc….. so much for our principled defenders of capitalism.
The only heros are small business people that are suffering the most as they are the most politically independent. It's not surprising that the small business segment of our economy is being crushed.
Maybe the folks doing ACORN's dirty work should ask her and Obama what they think of God and where and how often they go to chuch to seek God's help?
rose…soon our country will be bankrupt, then we will have our answer will America chose freedom or slavery. Politics is an art form of deception not truth and today as freedom slips through fingers disguised as the public good we will soon be working all year long just to survive to pay the taxes. We are stepping into slavery and those who cling to parties are the enablers of those who enslave us.
Patriots, understand that Obama has sent his minions north with instructions to call Masachusettes voters in support of Martha Coakly…..we must respond in kind! Call everyone in MA. and sound the alarm! No to the socialists…..keep our Republic!!!!!
Hey drone, the 'public option' is libspeak for single payer.
"we have removed the public option" is libspeak for "we are calling it an 'exchange' but it is still a public option".
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/07/31/barney-frank-...
"Because we don’t have the votes for it. I wish we did. I think that if we get a good public option it could lead to single payer and that is the best way to reach single payer. Saying you’ll do nothing till you get single payer is a sure way never to get it. … I think the best way we’re going to get single payer, the only way, is to have a public option and demonstrate the strength of its power."
You say it 'guarantees that our health care delivery system will remain funded in part by private insurance companies', how do you know this? What the hell does 'in part' mean? What the hell are you talking about?
What exactly is reformed by this legislation drone?
http://blog.heritage.org/2009/07/31/barney-frank-...
"Because we don’t have the votes for it. I wish we did. I think that if we get a good public option it could lead to single payer and that is the best way to reach single payer. Saying you’ll do nothing till you get single payer is a sure way never to get it. … I think the best way we’re going to get single payer, the only way, is to have a public option and demonstrate the strength of its power."
My hope is we find our way to single payer. I wanted Medicare part E (everybody). That was not one of my options this time around so I will support what is possible. It is a step. And you are wise to oppose it if you don't like Medicare because that is the goal.
You heard it here first.
Yes we could guess you were for single payer. You ignored my question drone:
You say it 'guarantees that our health care delivery system will remain funded in part by private insurance companies', how do you know this? What the hell does 'in part' mean? What the hell are you talking about?
At first glance I thought the Coakley invitation was a "Most Wanted" poster. After thinking about it for a moment; I realized it, IS, a most wanted poster. The reward: Freedom and liberty returned to America.
I am gratified that this point was not lost on you and others. Hopefully, the rest of America will recognize what is being done to them before it is too late. I have my doubts.
A Republican Congress will simply refuse to fund it! You're liberal allies in power now have already shown us that Congress is above the Law. I can't wait until you and the rest of the socialists are on the receiving end for a change.
You didn't have to guess. It is all over this blog.
Nothing in life is guaranteed forever. It is guaranteed this time around. There are no guarantees long term. My guess is the insurance industry will squeeze the system so hard for profits they kill the golden goose. Then we will have single payer.
It sounds like my opinion makes you a little grumpy, from the name calling and all. Dial it down a notch.
Hey jerk answer the question for the third time or shut your yap.
You say it 'guarantees that our health care delivery system will remain funded in part by private insurance companies', how do you know this? What the hell does 'in part' mean? What the hell are you talking about?
So you want me to pay for your and every other freeloader's health care? So you want me to pay for all of the illegal aliens' health care? OK, we know where you're coming from, you little socialist. Next, you don't care that this will end quality health care as we know it in the USA, in that everything will come to a screeching, grinding halt as nationalized health care becomes like Amtrak. If that happens, I only hope that there will be doctors and nurses that will provide black market health care services for those of us that want to live, are willing to pay, and not willing to stand in line for months waiting "our turn" – like you – because its free.
Do you intend to address this question drone?
What exactly is reformed by this legislation?
Or do you not have one?
Don't kid yourself. Once the law is in place Republicans will act like they invented it. They have no intention of going home to face voters after defunding health care. Democrats called their bluff when they introduced a bill to abolish Medicare last year and it didn't get a singe Republican vote.
For a change? George Bush may be a distant memory to you but he is still vivid in my mind. And I expect Democrats in congress running for reelection to go to the well one more time in 2010 and rum against him again. That is how bad he was for our country.
You are a minority do you understand that?
You will.
I'm a capitalist. And I believe in a social safety net.
Nothing is free. People will still have to pay for health care, but it should be available to everyone and affordable.
Illegal aliens are specifically excluded from participating by language in both versions of health care reform.
Sorry my friend but I'm a little put off by your boorish behavior… but thanks for playing.
Uh huh, a weasel.
Challenge me away, I'm waiting.
Why should health care be affordable, is this a right you have in the constitution drone? What does affordable mean drone? Is 10$ too much? Who decides this question then, the state?
You are no capitalist, you are a statist and a socialist, and you aren't very smart.
coakley is a Racist b/c this so called health care reform will hurt black people b/c hit will ration black peoples health care
Check out Hillbuzz.com out of Chicago. They are BIG supporters of Scott Brown and have written a lot about him on their site.
they may be 'specifically excluded' in language- but language only…
the next big push will be- guess what- Immigration reform! And they'll just make all of the 20 million illegals now citizens who are all eligible for socialized health care.
And the Cloward/Piven strategy of 'crash the system' marches on. We ran into a lot of lefities in both the Air Force and the Navy, but not the Marines or the Army. Hmmm…
shows you someone works for a living and it ain't the USAF…
[...] isn’t this the exact opposite of what candidate Barack Obama promised? With Democrat Martha Coakley in trouble in the Massachusetts special election to fill Ted [...]
Whatever helps you sleep at night, loser. Just give it time. You'll see.
I've been an independent as long as I've been registered to vote. I would have registered Republican but they never represented me.
That is the program we have now… privatize the profits (savings) and socialize the risk.
By that I mean if I elect not to buy health insurance and then need surgery, the tax payer pays. So why is it unreasonable to expect working Americans to pay? My brother in law doesn't have health insurance and doesn't wear his motorcycle helmet when he rides. He's over 21 so it's his right in Texas. But when he cracks his melon open on the street we are all going to pay the bill.
[...] post: » Drug Company and HMO Lobbyists Try to Save Democrat in … Share and [...]
None of us really know what "the next big push" will be. All we can do today is read what is in the bill.
Immigrations is a big problem but it is a different one from health care. I agree that congress needs to deal with it, but it shouldn't have any affect on our health care reform choices.
I just seem to bring out the worst in you.
I'm one of the winners in life's lottery. Good health, good job, great kids, wonderful family. It's good to be me… http://www.hotberry.com
The list of supporters looks more like a list of organized crime members, or future prison inmates.
Im happy for you.
Except you do not support the things you say because you do not know what you are talking about. So you are not a man of your word, you just regurgitate all the leftist talking points you see in the Daily Show and the Today Show and really don't have any clue what you are talking about. Hence you are a drone.
Or answer the question, is free, affordable or otherwise, healthcare a right of the people? If so where does this right come from? Is it in the constitution?
A reception? More like a shakedown. Wonder what a plate of spaghetti costs at this event? Doesn't matter. An arsonist couldn't warm up Coakley and her campaign. All the buzz is with Brown.
No that is not the system we have now. The taxpayer does not just 'pay' for all who have no health insurance, it is not that simple. And furthermore no one said the system we have now is perfect.
If you have an income and a social security number you will be charged with the cost of this care.
Well Scar I don't know what to tell you except the worm turns. So keep the faith and keep putting out your message and let's see whose ideas prevail.
History favors progress… and Progressives.
"Immigrations is a big problem"
Really? What is the problem? I am really curious, what is this problem you are talking about?
You make a good point… I said tax payer and should have included all American health care consumers. So thanks for that.
Oh by the way Coakly was stumping for Chappaquiddick Ted's seat before his body reached room temperature!!!
A fine kettle of fish these folks LMAO
Yet you continue to evade and do not address the questions put to you.
There is no right to healthcare, healthcare insurance, or ipods or MTV for that matter.
Your leftist ideologies always have failed, and always will fail to serve the needs of the people, only to give more power to the elites and to starve the people of their liberty. You are a tool, a useful idiot, and are working to enslave me and my family.
You are to be defeated and that is what we are going to do.
Drone.
I certainly hope that James & Hanna have their Boston itinerary all set for Tuesday the 19th.
ACORN is located at 196 Adams Street, Dorchester but I think it wise to be on the lookout for them everywhere.
just watch it… you will see in short order that we were right and this is all part of the 'collapse the system' paradigm…
Except, unlike you apparently, most of the country is increasingly looking at those who are actually in charge now and wondering why the things they are doing aren't doing what they said they would. The longer this goes on the less relevant the actions of the previous administration look.
You might be right case. Perhaps this is just all a giant conspiracy to get health care for illegals. But I have my doubts.
The social safety net is just another way for people like you to justify theft from those of us who work to earn a living. When my husband and I go backrupt or are forced to get legally divorced because we can't afford the $12,000/year premium mandated in this bill, where is -our- social safety net. Not only will you have destroyed a once productive household, but you've also destroyed a stable family unit. And we won't be alone.
Big business needs a Henry Ford. Sadly, those principals seem to be extinct.
Yea we all have our doubts genius.
Google cloward piven and get back to us.
We can't wait.
You need to work that angle harris… I know I would if the situation were reversed.
You need to hope that voters are really uninformed and have short memories. This past year may feel like a lifetime to you, but it has not been that long since the last guy oversaw the meltdown of the banking industry. It is likely that haven't completely forgotten 2008.
Your best chance is to wish for a double dip recession and unemployment stays over 10 percent, and maybe even have the bottom fall out of commercial real estate. Now that would give you a better than even chance of getting those extra 40 seats you need to take back the House.
Interesting, my husband mentioned something about that – saying if this bill passes, we might have to get a divorce. I thought he was kidding, but since we are unable to read/print/review this secret bill, what is intended to be the basis for having to get divorced?
[...] Coakley heads to DC to seal the deal… Quote: [...]
Sounds like he's just not that into you…
If your are facing bankruptcy and divorce you have bigger problems than the IRS.
You should take an honest look at your situation and make a plan for turning things around. Get some marriage counseling. It's not easy buy others have done it. Now gowidgod.
You really are a jerk aren't you.
I am with you, William – I will refuse to join a government-run healthcare plan after they make my employer stop providing our coverage, to save a few dollars. This bill will put all insurance companies out of business in the very near future, and we will be forced into single-payer. They will have to put me in jail – I am standing upon my constitutional rights as a free American, and will make my own decisions on what I purchase. It is time for complete change of the politicians in DC AND the states (since they promulgate what is happening at the local level), as well as the policies, rules, and unconstitutional laws that have allowed them to create the monster. I think we true Americans have decided that enough is enough, and we are ready and willing to take the stand.
It's pretty obvious why they have been and are in such a rush to pass the bill before this election. If the democrats loose the seat they also loose a vote which ultimately might cost them more than any of the other favors they have weaved into the bill to buy off supposedly reluctant senators. I truly want the democrats to loose the seat if only to see how much farther they are willing to stoop to force this bill upon us.
they are a determined lot of leftist ideologues. It's in their collective DNA. Check with us in a month…
Like everyone on this list, I have my moments.
I heard that Chicago Dems (with deep pockets) are also being approached to hand over the bucks to get MC elected…wonder how much each vote will cost them? or how many car trunks are being stuffed with "just-in-case ballots." HOW MANY BUSES ARE GOING TO COME FROM OUT OF STATE WITH 'VOTERS'????
MA voters — time to start the voter revolution!! Get these crooks out of power before too late.
By the way — snow flurries are predicted for all day on the 18th of January. . .get to the polls early!
A month? Because you think they are going to add friendlier language in conference or pass the language as it stands.
LegalInsurrection is on the ground w/ Brown, and as of 4PM CST, the moneybomb has raised $658,000 & counting. http://www.brownforussenate.com/red-invades-blue
SEIU has sent out an astroturf request to show up to the debate tonight. While real people are on the streets and phones campaigning for Brown. Please let this happen!
I find you detestable. You refuse to man up and answer to the issues and questions you raise. You call for taxing the productive and honest people in this country yet you have not the courage to answer to them. You support legislation that will in fact make if financially more attractive for married people to divorce, and when the subject comes you come off with this crap.
You are pathetic.
I knew you would lose it eventually. Music to my ears Harry
In a Utopian world, which of course does not nor will ever exist. There are the idealists (which you are obviously one) that think that everything will work out and believe everything the government tells you. You don't think that somewhere in that 2000+ page health care bill there aren't enough weasel words to let the statists in charge (right now) to do whatever they want? Think again. They'll get everyone covered, including the illegal aliens (by hook or by crook) but at what expense? Our liberty, methinks.
[...] See more here: » Drug Company and HMO Lobbyists Try to Save Democrat in … [...]
I find this one intriguing.
What I don't understand is how you hammer insurance companies, profits, capitalism.
The private sector in general.
And then it seems a blind trust in anything Government related.
What's up.
How can one be so bad and the other so good?
And then those first three words I thought I'd never see on one of your posts.
It would be so sweet to see Scott Brown sitting in Teddy's old seat. I hope they have re-upholstered it.
Money is power and out state interest have the money and thus victory. In the primaries money is King and thus why incumbents win.
The fringe.. The all and powerful Republican Lindsey Graham called those who seek freedom in HIS party , “fringe”, I think I have heard those words before from some democrats. Too bad he was just re-elected by 58% of the vote.. Too bad the republican party is full of grahams and they have all the power and money..
Even though I battle republicans here it is to show them the light that the party doesn’t want your answers. Show all the grahams across this country that freedom and your vote comes with a price.
Register unaffiliated and fight back for they will not listen until they are forced.
They can’t win without party members and as long as you stay a republican they will always call you fringe and laugh. and win.
The Republic does not belong to you. You are a tiny, vocal minority in a large polity.
In the 1972 presidential campaign the Democratic candidate won one state…. Massachusetts.
So good luck with that.
Those that stay informed know that Obama has "purposefully" sat on the so-called Stimulus Stash to be used prior to the 2010 elections. BHO needs for the job numbers to pick up so that his dem base thinks that our economy is actually recovering. (Plus $$$ is being used for his supporters ACORN, Unions, etc.) But true patriots know that he will do "anything" to push forward his and Soros' socialist agenda.
Hi Mik,
I see you are at it again. Seems you have not read the bill. What jobs will be created by raising premiums and FORCING taxpayers to buy something they may not want (and if its govt. run, I don't want it). Only way for me to avoid paying for healthcare is to die. So, seems Grayson was KINDA right. Its Democrats who'd like you to die quickly.
Affordable. I love that term. What is affordable? If someone earns $100,000 a year and chooses not to pay $1000 per year for health insurance does that make it unaffordable? If they choose not to spend $5,000 per year does that make it unaffordable? How about $10,000?
You sir, are a flat out statist. The goverment is your friend and you think your friend should take care of us. Sir, the goverment is not our friend – it is our slavemaster.
When I say I'm a capitalist I mean I am a capitalist. I buy commodities at market price, find a buyer, negotiate prices and schedule deliveries. It's how I make my living. These commodities respond to market forces and I can't just charge anything I want because it is a competitive business and at some price, my customers will move to another supplier.
Not all industries respond to market forces. Take your cable TV. Your supplier has a government granted monopoly and without oversight they can raise your prices and nothing you can do if you like cable. The insurance industry has also been granted monopolies in the form of anti trust exemptions. So they can form regional, functional monopolies, charge you what ever they want and your choices are limited. Especially it you have one of the famous "preexisting conditions"… then you have to hang on to that policy and hope to god they don't drop you.
I mention all this to show that health care delivery, the way it is currently structured, does not respond to market conditions, in this case because of monopolies they have maintained through congressional influence. And they spend millions to keep up this favored position.
Now, if by granting what amounts to guaranteed profits we received affordable health care and there was some dedication displayed by the insurance companies to customer care, I would be fine with it. But costs are out of control… on a trajectory that is unsustainable. Republicans in congress act as though we have some kind of option here… we don't. The 1.5 trillion we spend on health care is 16 percent of our GDP and will be 21-22 percent in 10 years. The next most expensive system in the world is France at about 9 percent of GDP… and they cover everybody. So something in our system is broken and must be fixed.
The private sector does some things well and some things not so well. Our health care system is a combination of private and public that has not shown any ability to control costs, and it is vital to our national well being. We cannot allow it to fail
The Republic does belong to its citizens and our forefathers, untrusting of elected leaders struck a balance that would guide this Republic. That balance is being undermined by these Alinsky gremlins posing as progressives, determined to destroy our way of life and government….There will be hell to pay!!!
You won't be if there is a "D" following their name, but I'm sure you will anyway.
Don't be mistaken Jacko, your Socialist blather pi$$es off most rational thinking people here. You seem intent on endorsing anything that goes against the grain of what has made this country great.
Guess single payer system would benefit the commodities market huh?
Illegal aliens are specifically excluded from participating by language in both versions of health care reform.
Guess you are about as informed on the health care bill as you are on the Constitution.
Nelson…………..and 58 others!!!!!!
My guess is that the tour bus companies off-season business will fluorish for a few days around Nov 19th.
Brown could have a helluva victory celebration if he got Teddy's liquor cabinet too.
It does? Weird. I seem to recall the Union being founded on individual liberty and capitalism, not socialism and the "collective". The more groups politicians can lump us into, the more they can ignore the individual. I'm not Dave the History teacher, I'm "the guy with the teachers union". I'm not Joe, I'm "an african american"(by the way, whats the difference between african american and negro? they both refer to the color of the skin)
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