Mr. Shaman
Senior Member
- May 4, 2010
- 23,892
- 822
- 48
They're planning on buying the 2010 Elections.
"Five of the nations largest health in$urer$ are in serious discussions about creating a new nonprofit group and bankrolling it to the tune of about $20 million to influence tight congressional races and boost the image of their industry.
Aetna Inc., Cigna Corp., Humana Inc., United HealthCare Inc. and WellPoint Inc. are weighing the new drive in part to shape the government regulations that will implement this years sweeping new health care legislation. Two lobbying sources familiar with talks underway by high-level insurance executives say that a decision to go forward with such an effort is likely to be made by at least four of the insurersand possibly Cigna in coming weeks.
The two sources tell the Center for Public Integrity they expect millions of dollars will be pumped into issue advertising in a number of races where candidates sympathetic to health industry concerns have a shot at winning.
The objective is to make the House more accommodating to concerns that have been raised, says one industry source. Theyre looking at toss-up candidates, adding that the companies want to focus resources to influence campaigns.