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Health Industry Rains Cash on Blue Dog Dems

By Kevin Spak,  Newser Staff

Posted Jul 31, 2009 9:43 AM CDT
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(Newser) – The Blue Dogs—the 52 fiscally conservative Democrats who have been fighting to kill health care reform proposals the industry doesn’t like—receive far more money from that industry than their non-coalition-member counterparts, the Washington Post reports. The reform push has been a boon for the lawmakers' ledgers; the group has set a record fundraising pace this year, beating all other congressional leadership PACs.

So far, Blue Dog complaints have led to a compromise bill in the House that waters down the public option and provides higher payments to rural providers. “The Blue Dogs are carrying water for the industry instead of their constituents,” said one health care activist.  Blue Dog Mike Ross disagrees, saying the caucus is trying to “slow the process down” to ensure it works. The Arkansas Congressman has held at least seven health industry fundraisers this year.

Mike Ross speaks to the media, as Frank Pallone, Bart Gordon and Henry Waxman listen after a Blue Dog Democrats meeting with President Barack Obama.
Mike Ross speaks to the media, as Frank Pallone, Bart Gordon and Henry Waxman listen after a Blue Dog Democrats meeting with President Barack Obama.   (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 13 comments
BlueAyez
Aug 1, 2009 12:07 PM CDT
I wrote to the DNC to tell them I want the Blue Dogs' membership revoked. They are Democrats in name only. Their membership in the Democratic party is a charade.
BlueAyez
Aug 1, 2009 12:00 PM CDT
The DNC needs to revoke their membership.
Silverbow7
Aug 1, 2009 2:44 AM CDT
Politicians with ties to the insurance industry are again trying hard to keep the U.S. from real health care reform. I think it should be illegal. Maybe we should start there and then tackle health care reform. With no money behind their votes maybe we can get men and women who will represent the people instead of corporations. Is it to much too hope for integrity in our representatives?

 
health care • Arkansas • House of Representatives • health care industry • lobbyists • health care reform • Mike Ross • House Democrats • special interests • moderate • insurance industry • Blue Dog Democrats • Blue Dog Coalition

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