No surprise here that former minority leader  – and now uber lobbyist – Dick Gephardt is schilling for a drug company in the current health care “debate.” And we use the term “debate” loosely here since Republicans are being systematically shut out of the process of – as Gephardt said recently  ” [the] incremental dismantling of the current [healthcare] system”

Washington Post:

WASHINGTON — The nation’s largest insurers, hospitals and medical groups have hired more than 350 former government staff members and retired members of Congress in hopes of influencing their old bosses and colleagues, according to an analysis of lobbying disclosures and other records.

The tactic is so widespread that three of every four major health care firms have at least one former insider on their lobbying payrolls, according to the Washington Post’s analysis.

Nearly half of the insiders previously worked for the key committees and lawmakers, including Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., and Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, that are debating whether to adopt a public insurance option opposed by major industry groups. At least 10 others have been members of Congress, such as former House majority leaders Richard Armey, R-Texas, and Richard Gephardt, D-Mo., both of whom represent a New Jersey pharmaceutical firm. Read more…

Related:

The Obama Era Brings Boom Times for Lobbyists: Gephardt Cashes In

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