Complete Story
08/03/2017
Drug ballot issue opponents spent nearly $10 million on Ohio campaign
The opponents of a ballot issue aimed at lowering prescription drug prices contributed $15.8 million and spent $9.7 million, according to a campaign finance report filed Monday.
While the coalition is called Ohioans Against the Deceptive Rx Ballot Issue, the group is itself is not being transparent because it is not disclosing its individual donors.
A report filed with Secretary of State Jon Husted’s office listed contributions of $5.6 million, $4.6 million and $5.5 million, but all were from Ohioans Against the Deceptive Rx Ballot Issue, a “wholly owned subsidiary of PHRMA.” The Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America is a deep-pocketed trade association funded by drug manufacturers.
However, no individual pharmaceutical company contributors were listed. The pharmaceutical association kicked in another $429.000 of in-kind contributions, including staff time and consulting services.
Most of the $9.7 million spent so far was for television advertising and public relations consulting.
