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10/30/2009 8:52 AM

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Observer-Reporter

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You would think in an off year for congressional elections, and in a down economy, that campaign contributions to the war chests of our sitting representatives and senators might be just trickling in. Ah, but we all know that is not the way of American politics.

Here is the way: 1) Get elected to Congress by some amazing fluke or by personal fortune; 2) Amass a huge amount of money from individuals, organizations and corporations who want to influence your votes; 3) Show some respect for the people who keep you in office in the way you vote; 4) Defeat your pathetically financed challenger in the next election; 5) Take in more money from the influence-seekers; and 6) continue the cycle until retirement.

Even though no one in the House of Representatives or the Senate is running for re-election this year, money has been flowing into their campaign committees.

Pharmaceutical manufacturers have stuffed almost $4 million in contributions into those re-election pockets. The health industry - which includes doctors, hospitals, nursing homes, drug and medical equipment makers, HMOs and more - has dished out more that $34 million in the 2009-10 campaign period, as reported to the Federal Election Commission as of Oct. 25.

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So, who's getting the handouts, and how much? That's not such a difficult task these days. Through the Internet, anyone can find out. One source is OpenSecrets.org, a Web site run by the Center for Responsive Politics, which appears to be largely funded by charitable foundations and has operated for more than 25 years.

It claims to provide independent, nonpartisan information about the influence of money on U.S. politics. The Web site is a clearinghouse of data on political contributions and lobbying efforts. It is thorough and easy to navigate.

In the House, Speaker Nancy Pelosi has accepted $224,000 so far this year from the health industry, and Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has raked in $260,000 - $108,210 of that from health professionals. On the other side of the aisle, Minority Leader John Boehner, an Ohio Republican, has collected just $138,000 from the health industry, although the insurance industry accounts for $90,000 more in his $1.68 million campaign fund. Democrats seem to be receiving more than Republicans from the health industry.

In the Senate, Pennsylvania's now Democratic Sen. Arlen Specter hasn't been ignored. He's up for re-election next year and so far in the 2005-10 cycle, he has raised $12,711,220. Of that, $1 million has come from the health industry and $2 million from lawyers and lobbyists.

The health industry has pretty much written off Rep. John Murtha, D-Johnstown, who received only $21,000. Most of Murtha's $270,000 in contributions came, not surprisingly, from defense contractors. Rep. Tim Murphy, R-Upper St. Clair, has done better - $275,700 in campaign contributions, with $99,000 from the health industry. Of that, $29,000 came from pharmaceutical manufacturers and $53,000 from health professionals. His largest single contribution - $9,000 - came from Blue Cross/Blue Shield.

As sincere about health-care reform as many in Congress may be - and we believe Murphy is one of them - we can't help but wonder that when it comes time to vote, just whose interests are being represented?

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5 comments

Truth : 10/30/2009
The politicans have no shame and will continue to be an embarrassment to the middle class and this nation for their amass of ill-gotten booty of donations from corporations. Representative Kucinich said it right "Government of the people, or Government of the corporations."

cin

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Nigth Stalkers : 10/30/2009
I have been saying this for years. We live in a highest bidder democracy. You have to pay to play. Local politicians, like all of them, are whores who turn tricks for the money dumped on them. Look at these amounts listed in the editorial. Are these whores going to bite the hand that controls them? Ain't no way. How does the average humble American figure into this? Answer, you don't. Tim Murphy may be a nice guy, and he may have good intentions. The fact is he and others need mega money to stay in office and they have to whore out to get it. I'm sorry if I sound cruel, but this is American fact. Take all the money out of politics and you might regain control over this plutocracy. Otherwise, big pharma will dump grandma off the truck and that is it. Bye, bye, granny.

Lawrence J. Nader

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Mr. Nader : 10/30/2009
well said!

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Wow : 10/30/2009
Totally agree with Mr. Nader.

rs

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Yep. : 11/14/2009
Night stalking BLOOD suckers who are vacuuming all the productiveness of America right out of its very veins. Mr. Nader is absolutely right in this instance and many times I do not agree with him.

bp

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