Explosive new reporting from the Auburn Citizen details just how entangled Rep. John Katko is with big drug manufacturers.
In case you missed it, John Katko, who has taken over $160,000 from the pharmaceutical industry and pharmaceutical manufacturers throughout his career, is currently the beneficiary of the group’s latest ad blitz. What’s worse: he still maintains his opposition of bipartisan efforts to lower the exploding costs of prescription drugs that passed the House last year.
The American Action Network, which has been airing ads boosting Katko’s campaign, is primarily funded by the pharmaceutical manufacturing trade organization. According to the Citizen: “There is a connection between PhRMA and the American Action Network, the group airing ads in the 24th district. The group representing pharmaceutical manufacturers is the largest donor to the American Action Network. According to Issue One, PhRMA has donated at least $12 million to AAN since 2009 — three times more than the second-largest donor.”
The Citizen also points out that Katko has parroted PhRMA’s talking points.
“John Katko has received over $160,000 in campaign donations from the pharmaceutical industry throughout his career, and now those same special interests are funneling dark money into ads to boost his reelection campaign,” said DCCC Spokesperson Christine Bennett. “It’s clear Rep. Katko’s votes can be easily bought and Central New Yorkers can’t rely on him to put them first anymore.”
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