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PRESS RELEASE FROM AMERICANS FOR TAX REFORM
Contact: John Kartch ( jkartch@atr.org or 202-785-0266)

11/25/02

INTERVIEW ALERT:

Follow the Money!

WASHINGTON - Prescription Drug Coverage was to have been a priority of both political parties this year. But no bill was ever sent to the President because the Senate could come up with no proposal besides pushing outdated generic drugs that undercut research for new drugs.

Generic drugs are, by definition, at least 12-year-old drugs whose patents have expired. Though cheaper up front, they are yesterday's technology, and therefore potentially less effective at preventing serious illness that would require hospitalization and other expensive treatments. And they take funding away from newer, innovative drugs, discouraging pharmaceutical companies from conducting the expensive research needed to develop new treatments.

In the long run, too much emphasis on generic drugs leads to lower quality medical care, fewer new treatments, and higher overall costs. Why would the Democrat-controlled Senate have such a one-sided, misguided approach? Let's check the numbers:

• The CEO of AGVAR contributed $587,375 in 2002; 99% to Democrats, 0% to Republicans.
  
• The CEO of TEVA Pharmaceuticals USA contributed $297,650; 100% to Democrats
  

Innovator drug companies:

• Eli Lilly & Co, a leading pharmaceutical company involved in the discovery and development of breakthrough new medicines, contributed $1,566,012 in the 2002 election cycle, and gave 79% to Republicans and only 21% to Democrats.
  
• Bristol-Myers Squibb a leader in prescription and over the counter drugs, and also medical imaging products, is rated "Strongly Republican" for its $1,415,843 contribution, with 84% going to Republicans and 16% to Democrats.
  
• Pfizer Inc a global research company that specializes in new innovative medical drugs and products, gave 77% of its $1,361,261 in overall contributions to Republicans, while 23% to Democrats.
  
• Schering-Plough Corporation, a major developer of new medicines, therapies, and treatment programs, gave $954,104 in the 2002 election cycle with 79% going to Republicans and 21% to Democrats.

Harvard-educated and street-smartened by years as a Washington DC insider, Norquist is your show's ultimate guest for a tax and election segment. His bio can be found at http:/www.atr.org/staff. To find more about his organization, Americans for Tax Reform, at www.atr.org.

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Americans for Tax Reform is a non-partisan coalition of taxpayers and taxpayer groups who oppose any and all federal and state tax increases.  For more information, or to arrange an interview with Mr. Norquist please contact John Kartch at (202)785-0266 or by email at jkartch@atr.org.