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Pictured: Mike Ross (D-PhRMA)
They’re still the best lawmakers money can buy.
As the Obama administration and Democrats wrangled over the timing, shape and cost of health care overhaul efforts during the first half of the year, more than half the $1.1 million in campaign contributions the Democratic Party’s Blue Dog Coalition received came from the pharmaceutical, health care and health insurance industries, according to watchdog organizations.
…
The Blue Dogs’ windfall also came at a time when the 52-member coalition flexed its muscle with both the White House and the Democratic leadership in the House of Representatives as an increasingly influential bloc in the health care overhaul debate.
And guess who’s the darling of Big Insurance and Big Pharma?
In June, as Rep. Mike Ross, D-Ark., who heads the coalition’s task force on health care, publicly expressed the Blue Dogs’ misgivings about the Democratic leadership’s efforts, the former pharmacy owner was feted at a series of health care industry receptions. Ross has received nearly $1 million in campaign contributions from the insurance and health care industries over his five-term career, according to the Center for Responsive Politics. Calls to Ross’ office weren’t returned.
If this isn’t simply crass political corruption, I’d like to know what is.
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Yeppurs, the best democracy money can buy.
The same kind of corruption that David Axelrod’s is practicing. Axe’s former pr firm AKPD raked in $24 million in ad contracts supporting ObamaCare. The ads are funded by AARP, SEIU, big Pharma and others. His son works for AKPD. And the DNC owes him 2 million.
Did you hear something? Is there a draft in here?
More like a stench.
I would like to see the media ask them about these connections when they get on the teevee. They never do that. They let them debate the issue as though there’s no conflict.
Sounded like somebody pissin’ up a rope.
“Calls to Ross’ office weren’t returned.”
And of course, when someone dares to ask the question, the response is simply, “Fuck you.”
Not with the amount of money spent on advertising by health related industries. Leads us right back to the now oft repeated Sinclair statement.
More like hot air
I confronted Ross on this in his Arkadelphia Town Hall some weeks ago, and he dismissed me as “someone who watched too much MSNBC,” a remark which, in that crowd, played very well. He then just started working the room, declaring that he had never taken “one penny” from a pharmaceutical company. Of course, his ignorant constituents wouldn’t understand that the contributions could come from individual employees, a PAC, an affiliated lobbying organization, or as a contribution in-kind, like the ad buy that PhRMA is about to run in this district. He can parlay that lack of awareness into plausible deniability about the sources of his campaign funds.
The civic ignorance of the American public is both staggering and disheartening.
this is great stuff bt, we need to let them know that we know, we also need to force media into reporting things like what you just posted
Hey, Blue Texan, great post! Sounds to me like what we have here is, at the very least, a conflict of interest. What is that old saying about the ability to recognize corruption if your pay depends on not recognizing it?
What an asshole. He said that?
They know and don’t care. We are not the ones pumping tons of money into the campaign coffers and springing for golf outings, etc.
I’m certainly open to suggestions on how we do this.
Why the big surprise? Both sides are being bribed.
He did indeed, BT–it was the obvious tactical move. With everybody hooting over his joke, no one need notice that he did not explain the sudden surge in industry contributions both to him as an individual and to the Blue Dog Coalition in general.
“You must do too much of that book readin’! HAHAHA!”
Prick.
Agreed. The good news is that some members of the audience applauded the question and thanked me for asking it. It wasn’t a completely unsympathetic room–although the anti-reform wingnuts definitely dominated the microphones. One actually said that he believed that the Obama administration was engaged in (his words) “the deliberate and systematic dismantling of the American republic.” I’m fairly confident that he went through several drafts to reach that particular phrase–he struck me as someone for whom multi-syllabic words would prove challenging.
OT but related to ’stupidest fucking post of all time’
Probably got it in R talking points email.
The Infiltrator Dems like DLCers and Blew Dogs are our number 1 obstacle, and have been for a couple of decades now. They are there specifically to stop Liberal reforms from within the DemocratIC Party. We’ve been able to kick out a few in recent years, but we have so far to go still.
Infiltrator Dems are simply applying the “keep your friends close and enemies closer” strategy, and that is why they run as Dems, or in other words get “closer” to their enemies, meaning actual Liberal legislators.
I think Obama is working on turning the tables on these folks. He’s already done it a number of times, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he does it over the next few weeks/months. Saw a good take on this over at Daily Kos today, where I largely agree with this guy but he does get a little over the top at times:
http://www.dailykos.com/story/…..t-Surprise
The writer says he’s working a new one about how Obama is setting up a situation that “provides cover” for Blew Dogs, which at first seems like the last thing I’d want to do, but in the long-term stategery, makes a lot of sense.
Just have to keep pendulum swinging to the Left.
Corrupt Democrats are still corrupt.
We must cleanse our party from this corruption by defeating people like Ross. This means primaries and third parties.
We need to make examples.
Diaries like that are wishful thinking in which Daddy Obama has a plan to fix everything. They trun Obama into the Wizard of Oz, an all-knowing figure who is always one step ahead of everyone and who never makes a mistake, because one can redefine all acts to be correct.
It’s a childish fantasy, which is why we have corrupt Dems doing so well. We pretend rather than act.
“The older I am, the more I see the need for self-defense,” Rester said.”
Yes, that way you can hurl the unloaded weapon in the general direction of those public option advocates when they go on the attack. I really hate to disrespect a vet, but fer crissakes!!!
Mike Ross, Orrin Hatch and John McCain are three good reasons for term limits. One of these jerks is a supposedly a Democrat, but it makes no difference. All are career pols, corporate tools and poseurs.
Open secrets also had a piece on this awhile back. I discussed their data very briefly here in a post at seminal last week.
Good, Gahd. He’s a corrupt jackass.
Arkansas. Where the head of the DemocratIC Party was shot to death last year in the DemocratIC Party HQ. No connection to the killer. Simply for being a Democrat. And of course there are other cases such as this over the last couple of years.
And these fucks want to stage rallies to encourage more people to bring guns to town halls, like that Escondido dipshit linked up above?!?
These morans don’t give a shit about the Constitution or the Republic as they claim to do. We just had our first Presidential election in several where the results aren’t suspicious, and NOW they’re claiming that America is being “held hostage” and other dumb nonsense?!? We’re actually moving much more in the direction of a representational democracy than we have been for decades, and these self-described “patriots” want to stop it.
We must make sure these kooks get marginalized for the rest of their miserable lives. Mike Ross can have ‘em!
Is there a tally somewhere for each of the members of the Blue Dog Coalition. Seeing that will make it clear who among the Blue Dogs is likely to be hiding behind their Blue Dog “fiscal responsibility” position. So far Mike Ross is the only one who has been highlighted, but I suspect that there are some Blue Dogs who aren’t on the United Healthcare gravy train. It would be good to know this as well.
I’m for seeing the list of sold out lawmakers on the House side, something like what Nate Silver did for the Senate side. I suspect that being sold out crossing ideological and caucus lines.
It’s a shame that Ross resorted to acting like a republican… oh my bad, he is one. Maybe he needs to go on KO or Rachel opposite Nate Silver and explain his numbers. He’ll get a serious trip to the woodshed on his apparently much-loathed MSNBC.
Results aren’t suspicious? Can You spell A-C-O-R-N?
Maybe we should start calling them Blue Cross Dogs.
Sandbagging the Public Option is not just for Blue Dogs. There is another Democratic, “pro-business” corporate tool party faction called the “New Democrat” Coalition. Suzanne Kosmas and IIRC, Bill Nelson are New Democrats. They are very much like Blue Dogs.
Oooh! Acorn. Run away! Run away!
Okay, daddy. Can I have another lolly pop now?
I was told that over and over again around here throughout 2-year Presidential race. Yet, somehow all our “pretending” without any action resulted in America’s first melanin-enhanced President. Oh, and if Obama would’ve listened to the prevailing “wisdom” of most around here, he first would’ve never run, and then would’ve lost following that same advice.
I guess he was just lucky.
Nobody I know that likes Obama never once suggests that Obama can’t make mistakes and doesn’t have criticisms of him, but perhaps he might know a few things that you don’t, and perhaps you, and all of us can learn from someone who has accomplished so much? Is this blind allegiance to a saviour-figure, or simply healthy humility?
As always, everyone can judge for themselves.
Republicans and Blue Dogs are like two year-olds. They don’t know much but they know what they want and they demand it loudly.
Too bad we can’t let these dumb guys go play in traffic and make ‘em happy while we give ourselves some long needed single payer healthcare.
Drat.
Whore dog millionaires.
If Obama is our saviour, why didn’t he heal Ted?
I’m betting he doesn’t have the fortitude (read: balls) to do that. It would be quite entertaining to see him get his clock cleaned on the Electric TV Machine, however.
“Hey…Wha happened?!?”
I am absolutely shocked to learn that “Over Half of Blue Dogs’ 2009 Campaign Contributions from Health Care Industry.” Who could have possibly foreseen that?
In Texas they say, “Ya’ dance with them what brung ya’.” We now know who brung the Blue Dogs to the dance.
Sambot, you do know don’t you, that anytime anyone breathlessly invokes “A-C-O-R-N” most people think “M-O-R-O-N?” You simply begin a battle of wits by waving a white flag. Brilliant.
Democratic Business owners should boycott the Chamber of Commerce at all levels. The Chamber is running anti-health care reform ads 24-7.
Why can’t “The Chamber” see (to the benefit of its members) that a viable public option would save business owners billions of dollars in health insurance premiums?
The Chamber is an arm of the Republican Party and it is corrupt.
All Democrats should renounce their memberships immediately.
Bot just tipped his entire hand with that last comment (38) Steve Doocy.
Sambot: If you cannot play nicely with others, you need to go home and grow up a little before you come here again.
I am at home.
kcwells,
He’s at home pressing his white sheet and hood so that they’ll have nice crisp creases at the next town hall meeting.
Oh, the old KKK bogeyman. And ya’ll rap on me for bring up ACORN.
It is shocking how little money is needed, compared to the money at stake, to subvert the will of the people.
Phoenix Woman has a new post up on the front page: “Look Who’s Lying About Teddy”
Holy mackeral!
ACORN must be damn good. 10 Million votes. Almost 8% of the popular vote. Nearly 200 Electoral College votes. A landslide win bigger than St. Ronnie Raygun’s “win” in 1980.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/U…..ection_Day
Where’s my check book?!?! Talk about return on investment!
(by the way, nice try on the name. Negrot already taken?)
Oops. Try this link.
Maybe less cheetos clogging up ur synapses might help. Put on some jogging gear and get out of Mommy’s basement. Come back when you have a clue.
Bill Nelson and his wife BOTH have longstanding ties to the C Street group ,otherwise known as The Fellowship,or more commonly referred to as,The Family, for MANY years.
Grace Nelson has served on the Fellowship Foundation’s Board.
Aditionally, Bill Nelson was a member of the secret Yale Society entitled Book and Snake.
Other notable members of this ancient “club” are Bob Woodward, Porter Goss, and Henry Louis Gates,Jr.
One import from China we could benefit from….execution of corrupt public officials.
[Mod Note: Let’s not trod any further down this path please]
Be jogging over to see Edited by mod: no more name calling on any side]!
I feel bad for you sambot…live large my friend life isn’t 2 degrees of ugly talking points spread thick with lies and bad information.
They say that even a blind pig (or a Blue Dog?)finds an acorn ,now and then.
Here’s a case where a Repube snout ferreted out some desirable ACORN ,indeed:
Miami Dade College press release:
Miami, Florida – February 20, 2006
Leaders from a diverse array of sectors will hold a rally in Miami on Thursday, February 23, 2006, in support of comprehensive immigration reform in an effort to keep immigration reform at the forefront of the public debate.
Leaders from both political parties, immigrant communities, labor, business, and religious organizations will gather to call on Washington to enact workable reform.
The rally will feature Sen. John McCain (R-AZ) as the headline speaker along with elected officials, immigrants and key local and national leaders.
Sen. McCain is one of the chief sponsors of the Secure America and Orderly Immigration Act; bipartisan, comprehensive immigration reform legislation introduced last Congress and scheduled for consideration by the Senate in the coming weeks. A similar rally with Sen. McCain is planned for New York City on February 27.
The rally in Miami is being sponsored by the New American Opportunity campaign (NAOC) in partnership with ACORN, Catholic Legal Services – Archdiocese of Miami, Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, Florida Immigrant Coalition, Miami Dade College, and People for the American Way/Mi Familia Vota en Acción
Sambot,
In all sincerity. Keep up the good work. Your posts, and displays from others like you amongst the Teabaggers, the Birthers, and the Deathers are the best thing that has happened to liberalism in the last 50 years.
I tip my hat to you. You do not obfuscate; you make the content of your character and intellect known from the start in all your posts. There is no mistaking your stance. You are obviously deeply committed and will not be swayed. Stay strong.
It is quite clear that there is a vast gulf between you and I. It is also clear that you are extremely out of touch with the majority of your fellow citizens. But, hey, if you think your posts will win converts to your side, go right on doing what you do so well. Let the chips fall where they may.
Godspeed, Sambot.
This just in:
Gallup has Obama at 50% approval. This ship is going down.
http://www.gallup.com/poll/113…..roval.aspx
@56
McCain attended ACORN rally | Crooks and LiarsOct 13, 2008 … Yes, that’s McCain sitting next to Rep. Kendrick Meek at an ACORN event. The very same ACORN his campaign now rails against and is accusing …
crooksandliars.com/silentpatriot/mccain-attended-acorn-rally – Cached – Similar
McCain To ACORN: You Are ‘What Makes America Special’ – Boing BoingOct 15, 2008 … John McCain used to like ACORN, back when it was convenient for him to do so. Here’s a video of him heaping praise on ACORN. …
http://www.boingboing.net/2008/10/15/…..n-you.html – Cached – Similar
The BRAD BLOG : McCain Hearts ACORN! Was Keynote Speaker at …Also, we can’t help but wonder, in regard to McCain’s meeting with ACORN, where he spoke on immigration reform, by the way…were there were any …
http://www.bradblog.com/?p=6508 – Cached – Similar
@52
Paul Krugman – New York Times Blog
July 17, 2009, 8:28 pm
The six deadly hypocrites
“Will the destructive center kill health care reform? It looks all too possible.
What’s especially galling is the hypocrisy of their claimed reason for delaying progress – concern about the fiscal burden. After all, in the past most of them have shown no concern at all for the nation’s long-term fiscal outlook.Case in point: the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003, which denied Medicare the right to bargain for lower drug prices, locked in overpayments to private insurance companies, and did nothing, nothing at all, to pay for its proposed outlays. How many of these six self-proclaimed defenders of solvency voted no on the crucial procedural vote? One. (Joe Lieberman, to my surprise.)
And let’s not forget that Ben Nelson, who appears to be the ringleader, has fought tooth and nail against competition from a public option – which would almost certainly save a significant amount of money, as well as providing much-needed competition.
If the Gang of Six really does kill reform, remember their names; they will bear the responsibility for vast, unnecessary suffering over the years to come.”
But even not all of the New Democrats are opposed to the public option. Once again, I think that some folks are hiding their connections to the industry behind their caucus label.
Not if but when.
Sen. Bingaman of NM, one of the infamous Gang of Six has already indicated his willingness to use the budget reconciliation process and the single vote majority to get a public option. The Gang has already been emasculated.