NEWS

Blue Dog Dems Receive More Health Insurance Funds than House Republicans

Pamela Behrsin | August 11, 2009

August 11, 2008 - Blue Dog Dems received more funds from the health insurance industry than House Republicans did, a MAPLight.org analysis showed. The analysis compared the average amounts given to each legislator in the 2008 election cycle, using data from the Center for Responsive Politics.

The health insurance industry gave each Blue Dog Dem, on average, $7,567.

The average for each House Republicans was $6,447.

Here are the top recipients in the House of health insurance industry funds in the '08 election cycle:

Rep. Jim Gerlach (R, PA-6) - $37, 675

Rep. Harry Mitchell (D, AZ-5) - $35,200 (Blue Dog)

Rep. David Camp (R, MI-4) - $34,500

Rep. Earl Pomeroy (D, ND-0) - $34,250 (Blue Dog)

Rep. Charles Rangel (D, NY-15) - $30,800

Health insurance industry contributors include AHIP, Blue Cross, Blue Shield, National Association of Health Underwriters, AFLAC, Delta Dental Plans Assn, Cigna, and other health and accident insurance firms.