Legislators influencing the health care debate are not only receiving significant political donations from members of the health and insurance industries but also from the numerous lobbyists that represent the industries, a report by two Washington watchdog groups shows.
After a month-long investigation, the Sunlight Foundation and the Center for Responsive Politics found that 61 members of Congress each received money from 10 or more lobbyists whose health industry clients also donated to their campaigns. Those 61 lawmakers include 39 senators and 22 House members; by party, it includes 38 Democrats and 23 Republicans.
Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) topped the list with the highest amount received from lobbyists who represent the health industry, but much of that money was given during the 2008 presidential campaign, according to the Sunlight Foundation. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (Ky.) came next, followed by Senate Finance Committee Chair Max Baucus (D-Mont.), who is currently leading deliberations over a health care bill he introduced.
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