Reps. Brown, Boner get big money from health sector

Leadership is a privilege and should not be an excuse to line one's pockets.

Here's the scoop:

WASHINGTON — As a member of the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions, Sen. Sherrod Brown often rails against the insurance industry and pharmaceuticals for the money they’ve used to influence the process.

But Brown, a Democrat who spent years on House Health subcommittee before being elected to the U.S. Senate, leads all other Ohio members in receiving campaign money from the health sector, according to an analysis of campaign contributions by the Center for Responsive Politics.

In all, Brown has received $2.7 million from the health care sector since 1989, according to a study of campaign contributions by the Center for Responsive Politics, a campaign cash watchdog. The bulk of it — $1.9 million — is from health professionals, including doctors and nurses.

He’s also received $72,600 from the health insurance industry and $302,154 from pharmaceuticals.

“Senator Brown has a long track record of leadership on health care issues,” said his spokeswoman, Meghan Dubyak. “While not everyone has supported his efforts to drive down the costs of drugs and insurance for middle class Ohioans, he has been able to win the support of many doctors, nurses, and other health professionals who share his goal of providing secure, affordable, and high-quality health care to all Americans.”

Brown was the 11th highest recipient of health care related campaign contributions in the Congress, according to the Center’s breakdown.

In the House, Minority Leader John Boehner, R-West Chester, received $2 million from the health sector since 1989. That includes $641,480 from pharmaceuticals and $779,710 from the health insurance industry. He received $690,587 from health professionals, according to the center’s study.

Boehner, who is leading the Republican charge against Democratic health care proposals, has collected more money from health insurers than all current members of Congress, according to the center.