Health interests gave $4M to Arnold

[CountAllVotes]

SACRAMENTO — As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger prepares to unveil his much-awaited solution to California's health care crisis next month, he has received not only abundant advice from special interests with a stake in the issue, but millions of their dollars.

A MediaNews analysis of campaign records shows that health-related interests — including HMOs, drug companies, doctors and hospitals — have given Schwarzenegger and his political causes just over $4 million since he first ran for office. Business interests that successfully thwarted an attempt to expand health care coverage in 2003 have donated at least another $3.5 million, the review found.

Schwarzenegger has steadfastly maintained that political contributions do not affect his policies. But the donations underscore the huge stakes and potential difficulty of what he is about to undertake.

The GOP governor, who has raised more than $110 million since 2003, will have to navigate a political thicket if he is to truly expand access for the state's

6 million-plus uninsured: a Democrat-controlled Legislature that wants to vastly expand coverage, legislative Republicans who oppose taxes and mandates on business, and an array of deep-pocketed interests prepared to spend millions to make their voices heard.

http://www.insidebayarea.com/sanmateocountytimes/ci_4898336

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

1. Does anyone find it ironic...

That some orgs will give millions to not pay taxes? Even if it would potentially lower their bottom line as employers?

Bizarre.

[CountAllVotes]

2. Just kind of disgusting!

The top 10 health-related contributors to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and his political committees: WellPoint/Blue Cross of California, $255,500; Allergan (maker of Botox), $207,300; Benecard Services (prescription benefit and vision services), $163,800; Kaiser Foundation Health Plan, $150,000; Health Net Inc., $138,500; Pfizer Inc., $122,300; Coastview Capital (venture capital specializing in biotechnology companies), $121,200; Blue Shield of California, $104,600; California Dental Association, $100,000 and St. Ann Hospice Home Care, $96,900. These figures include contributions from company's executives.

Oh the irony ...

:kick:

[Joe Bacon]

3. He's worth every penny to these pimps and whores.

Thanks to Arnold, we won't get single payer here. He vetoed the Kuehl Single Payer health Insurance Bill because it was "unworkable".

Sadly, the same folks bought off Angilides too.