WASHINGTON (AP) -- The nation's drugmakers stand ready to spend $150 million to help President Barack Obama overhaul health care this fall, according to numerous officials, a staggering sum that could dwarf attempts to derail his chief domestic priority.
The White House and allies in Congress are well aware of the effort by Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, a somewhat surprising political alliance, given the industry's recent history of siding with Republicans and the Democrats' disdain for special interests.The campaign, now in its early stages, includes television advertising under PhRMA's own name and commercials aired in conjunction with the liberal group, Families USA.
Numerous people with knowledge of PhRMA's plans said they had been told it would likely reach $150 million and perhaps $200 million. They spoke on condition of anonymity, saying they were not authorized to divulge details.
Additionally, the industry is the major contributor to Healthy Economy Now, which recently completed a $12 million round of advertising nationally and in several states. The ads were made by companies with close ties to Democrats and the White House and generally reflected the administration's changing rhetoric on health care.
In an interview, Ken Johnson, senior vice president of PhRMA, said, ''We will have a significant presence over the August recess, both on television and newspapers and on radio, but we have not finalized details for our fall campaign.''
Does this not illustrate the lunacy and lies of the Democrats who have convinced themselves Industry is paying off grassroots activists?
Oh my, this just sounds ver wrong, suspicious and devious. PhRMA would clearly have making money as it's TOP priority. I'm sure it will be a very glitzy ad display targeting the fools government seems to think we are.
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