Headline
FACT CHECK: On CNN Blunt Conveniently Forgot $2 Million from Insurance and Health Special Interests to Oppose Reform
For Immediate Release: March 11, 2010 Contact: Ryan Hobart (573) 636-5241 Ext. 125 FACT CHECK: On CNN Blunt Conveniently Forgot $2 Million from Insurance and Health Special Interests to Oppose Reform WATCH THE VIDEO: CNN’s Rick Sanchez Short Changes Blunt's Career Numbers Without Correction WATCH VIDEO HERE: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhOhLg6QTdk Jefferson City, Mo – Yesterday in Washington, Congressman Roy Blunt went on CNN, and he had a chance to explain his record of taking money hand over fist from insurance and health special interests. CNN Anchor Rick Sanchez referenced only one cycle of fund raising numbers and short changed Congressman Blunt on his career totals by more than $1.8 million when he referenced the money he has received from health and insurance special interests during his time in Washington. Of course, as he often does, Blunt agreed and ignored the underlying question. "While in Washington, Congressman Blunt has taken more than two million dollars from insurance and health special interests, and he has fought on their behalf by opposing meaningful health insurance reform in Congress," said Missouri Democratic Party Communications Director Ryan Hobart. "As much as Congressman Blunt wants to run from his Washington insider record of siding with lobbyists and special interests over the people of Missouri, he will ultimately face the consequences at the ballot box in November." Here are Congressman Blunt's career fundraising totals from insurance and health industry special interests: Congressman Blunt was criticized Wednesday for raking in more money from insurance lobbyists in Washington in exchange for publicly bashing health insurance reform on the very same day. (http://politicalpartytime.org/pol/N00005195/) In addition to the enormous amount of money he's received, as the ultimate Washington insider, Congressman Blunt also has close connections to a number of registered lobbyists who are desperate to preserve the status quo - and their profits - by killing any reform efforts Congressman Blunt has drawn eight opponents, including Tea Party favorite State Senator Chuck Purgason, in the Missouri primary for U.S. Senate. For more information about the Missouri Democratic Party visit www.MissouriDems.org and follow us on Twitter www.Twitter.com/MoDemParty. --30--
* Blunt Has Received $608,482 From Insurance Industry. According to the Center for Responsive Politics, Rep. Blunt has received $608,482 in campaign contributions from the insurance industry over the course of his career. [Center for Responsive Politics]
* Blunt Has Received $921,573 from Health Professionals. According to records, he has received $921,573 from health professionals [Center for Responsive Politics]
* Blunt Has Received $505,122 From The Pharmaceutical Industry. According to records, Blunt has received $505,122 during his career from the pharmaceutical industry for his congressional campaigns. [Center for Responsive Politics]
*See how much Blunt has taken from different special interests here: http://www.opensecrets.org/politicians/industries.php?cycle=Career&cid=N00005195&type=I
