JOSEPH LIEBERMAN: Drug, Insurance Industries Fund Campaign
Although Vice President Al Gore has frequently attacked the insurance and pharmaceutical industries on the campaign trail, his recently announced running mate Sen. Joseph Lieberman (D-Conn.) has been a "staunch ally" of insurers and has received the second highest amount of pharmaceutical industry contributions of any senator, the New York Times reports. "Insurance is to Connecticut what oil is to Oklahoma ... And Mr. Lieberman has been a staunch ally of the industry," according to the Times. Lieberman supports legislation limiting damage awards in lawsuits, an issue insurers heavily favor and is considered "a business-friendly Democrat" on a variety of issues (Rosenbaum, 8/9). Frank Coleman, spokesperson for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, said, "He was very supportive of product liability and legal reforms, as would be expected from a senator from the insurance capital of America. He was a key player" (Dow Jones International News, 8/8). As a reward for his support of the industry, Lieberman received $197,419 from insurance interests -- "more money ... for his Senate race this year than any other senator." In addition, Lieberman has been a favorite of pharmaceutical companies, many of which have operations in Connecticut. Pharmaceutical companies contributed $91,150 to his campaign, topping all other senators except Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) in contributions from drug companies (New York Times, 8/9).
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