Consumer Watchdog: Blunt Outpacing DC Colleagues In Health Industry Fundraisers

The Consumer Watchdog organization today released an analysis of fundraisers hosted by the health care industry and its lobbyists.  In their research, they found that Rep. Roy Blunt scheduled more industry-hosted fundraises this year than any of his colleagues on the five House and Senate committees at the center of the health care reform debate.

Consumer Watchdog called on members of Congress to cancel upcoming fundraisers sponsored by the health care industry, and return any campaign contributions received from the industry, until health reform legislation is complete. At least two members of the House Energy and Commerce committee – Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO) and Rep. Nathan Deal (R-GA) – have fundraisers hosted by health industry lobbyists scheduled for Wednesday. Rep. Blunt scheduled nine industry-hosted fundraisers, more than any other committee member.

Consumer Watchdog's report is based on data from PoliticalPartyTime.org. According to their analysis, Blunt has held 9 health industry fundraisers, more than any member of the House Energy & Commerce, House Education & Labor House Ways & Means, Senate Health Education Labor & Pensions (HELP) or Senate Finance committees. The next highest total belongs to Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) with 7.  

Read Consumer Watchdog's full release here.

No word yet on when Blunt will call a press conference to draw more attention to his financial support from special interests working to slow down or block reforms that would make health care more affordable and accessible.

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