Democratic presidential hopefuls are receiving more donations than Republicans from the healthcare industry, The New York Times reported.

The trend, a reversal from recent form, is occurring even though Democrats are pushing healthcare proposals that cause anxiety within the healthcare field, the newspaper said.

The non-partisan, non-profit Center for Responsive Politics in Washington analyzed donations for the Times and determined that hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, doctors and insurers contributed more than $11 million to presidential campaigns in the first three quarters of 2007 -- $6.5 million to Democrats and $4.8 million to Republicans.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., leads all candidates with $2.7 million from healthcare interests, despite her support for changes in healthcare that cause concern among insurers, drug companies and other interests, the Times reported.

Former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney out-raised the other Republican hopefuls, pulling in $1.6 million.

Healthcare industry professionals say the trend indicates a growing sense that Democrats are positioned to win the presidency in 2008, the newspaper said.

"Everybody in the industry knows that health care reform is on its way," said Kenneth E. Raske, president of the Greater New York Hospital Association, "and you have only two decisions: sit on the sidelines or get on the field."  // Copyright 2007 by United Press International




Publication date: 29 October 2007   

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