Parker Waichman LLP

Big Pharma, Having Long Favored Republicans, Now Splits Donations Equally

After a decade of placing the bulk of their financial backing with Republicans, many in the health care industry are now evenly splitting contributions between Republicans and Democrats. Lobbyists and industry executives say the change is a result of Democrats controlling both houses of Congress, expecting to increase their majorities, and possibly winning the White […]

After a decade of placing the bulk of their financial backing with Republicans, many in the <"https://www.yourlawyer.com/practice_areas/defective_drugs">health care industry are now evenly splitting contributions between Republicans and Democrats. Lobbyists and industry executives say the change is a result of Democrats controlling both houses of Congress, expecting to increase their majorities, and possibly winning the White House, all of which will strengthen their voice on health policy. “There’s a new world order,” said Ken Johnson, senior vice president of the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America.

Drug companies’ profits now rely heavily on government decisions, and leading Democrats have offered proposals to further expand the public sector’s role in financing and delivering health care. In the past, Congressional Democrats severely criticized drug makers and health insurance companies, with Republicans working closely with them on many issues, and stopping countless proposals for stricter regulation. But, according to data reported by Pfizer, Amgen, Johnson & Johnson, other companies, and trade associations, an emerging trend in campaign contributions indicates a shift in power. For instance, in the 2008 election cycle, pharmaceutical companies, including their employees and political action committees, donated $20 million to federal candidates and the parties—49 percent to Democrats and 51 percent to Republicans—according to data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics, an independent group that tracks campaign finance. The last time a split such as this was seen was in 1990.

Fred P. DuVal, Democratic Governors Association treasurer and a government relations consultant explained, “Parity between the parties is now the operating principle for many corporate political action committees in the health care industry. That’s a sea change.” DuVal’s clients include Pfizer and Aetna. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, leading pharmaceutical industry campaign contributors in 2007-8 have been Pfizer, Amgen, and Johnson & Johnson and all three heavily favored Republicans in the last four election cycles. Today, each company is splitting their funding between both parties. “People in the pharmaceutical industry have not suddenly changed their spots,” said Representative Pete Stark, California Democrat and House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health chairman. “They understand who will be writing legislation in the next few years. They want to be at the table,” he added.

Republican party presidential nominee, Senator John McCain has taken a nonparty stand toward the industry and many feel this may be a factor. McCain supported legislation to allow the government to negotiate directly with drug companies to obtain lower Medicare beneficiary pricing, something industry strenuously opposes; wants to permit prescription drug imports from Canada and other countries; has defied brand name drug makers by pushing legislation to hasten approval of lower-cost generics; and has backed legislation to codify patients’ rights, a bill strongly opposed by insurers and President Bush. While many in the health care industry praise Democratic presidential nominee, Senator Barack Obama, for his commitment to cover the uninsured, drug makers and insurers worry that his policies could lead to a larger federal role.

Drug companies say they do not coordinate their campaign contributions; however, their lobbyists and fundraisers do meet periodically.

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Very professional service . Joanne is one of the best there!
Camelia Hendricks
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Great staff extremely helpful and sympathetic to your needs
David Fritzman
5 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Positive: Professionalism , Quality , Responsiveness
Jairo Blanco
2 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038