Tom Kean Jr. Tries to Dupe Voters in Terrible Debate Performance
YIKES. Now we know why he’s been hiding.
In his god-awful debate performance last night, Tom Kean Jr. lied about his health care record, dodged questions about his ties to special interests, the health insurance industry and drug manufacturers, bashed bipartisan efforts in the House to lower the cost of prescription drugs—again— and doubled down on his support of Donald Trump’s re-election, even in the face of explosive new reporting that the president downplayed the true impact of the COVID-19 virus and called our troops “losers” and “suckers.”
Since Kean Jr. refuses to give it to us straight, here’s the truth about his health care record and special interest ties:
- Kean Jr. voted twice against creating a statewide health insurance program, voted against a public awareness campaign promoting the health insurance exchange, voted against expanding Medicaid in New Jersey, and voted in support of the lawsuit against the ACA. Throughout his career, Kean Jr. has been rewarded for these votes with almost $1 million in donations from the insurance, health care, and drug manufacturing industries.
- Kean Jr. even voted against $11 million for a prescription drug program to assist seniors and people with disabilities. Staying true to form, Kean Jr. again bashed a bipartisan bill in Congress that would lower prescription drug costs, parroting talking points from big drug manufacturers and protecting his stock holdings in many large drug manufacturers, including one that has been held responsible for the opioid crisis.
- Kean Jr. voted against paid sick leave twice. One bill he opposed created a specific provision to provide financial security to New Jersey workers and families during epidemics – exactly like the crisis we are facing today with COVID-19. The sick leave bill also allowed for paid sick time for employees who need to watch their children if a child’s school closes or if an employee needs to take care of sick family members.
“One thing is clear following Tom Kean Jr.’s horrendous debate performance: he’s putting drug companies, their profits, and his self-interests ahead of New Jersey voters,” said DCCC Spokesperson Christine Bennett. “When he wasn’t doubling down on his support of Trump or ignoring questions about his dark money and special interest backers, Kean Jr. was lying about his health care record. If Kean Jr. can’t tell the truth in an hour-long debate, how can voters trust him in Congress? Thankfully, the people of New Jersey’s 7th district have someone like Tom Malinowski in their corner. They know he’ll always have their back.”
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