Is Mitch McConnell For Sale?

Following Mitch's Money, Presentation by Doug Price on June 22, 2020

Last week Rev Nancy Jo Kemper mentioned many things about Mitch but one that really stood out was this: She contacted Mitch’s office to try to arrange to meet with him. She was told that in order to meet with Senator McConnell one had to be a donor of at least $25,000. She did not have the ability to make this kind of a donation and I expect even if she did she would not have done so! But she did have a friend who had donated at that level and that person was able to get her an appointment for a 5 minute visit.

In 2017 the per capita income of Kentuckians was estimated to be $26,779. As of 2020 KY has 3.5 million registered voters. How many of these can afford a $25,000 contribution to have a meeting with McConnell? Again, he represents only those who can give him money.

Big Pharma knows how to gain entry into Mitch’s office.

An article written by Josh Israel in The American Independent noted that Mitch announced in September 2019 that he would block any consideration of a bill to lower prescription drug cost. BY the end of December Mitch had raked in more than $50,000 in contributions from political action committees and individuals tied to the pharmaceutical industry. Mr. Israel contacted several of the Pharma companies/employees who gave money to Mitch and most responded with a tone of righteous indignation that anyone would consider their donations to be anything but supporting good government.

As for Mitch he stated “Socialist price controls will do a lot of left-wing damage to the healthcare system.” With that statement he accomplished a couple of things: appeased the Pharma industry and planted the seed that the so called Left-Wing Democrats were moving America to become a Socialist country.

Pharmaceuticals/Hospitals donors included Roche (has an R & D operation in China), Citius, AstraZeneca (Crestor, Nexium and working on a Covid-19 vaccine), Takeda(manufactures Adderall), Novocure (tumor treating); Astellas (Japanese based), Merck, and Amgen.

Here is an example of Big Pharma: The cost of Insulin is a hot subject these days. From an article written by Danielle K Roberts who is a Medicare insurance expert: Back in 1996, when Eli Lilly’s Humalog first came out, the price for a 1-month supply of insulin was $21. As of 2001, that exact vial’s price increased by $14 to $35. Now, in 2019, that vial is said to be around $275. That is a 1200% increase on the original price.

A typical vial of insulin that will last a diabetic about 10 days costs about $300 without insurance in the United States. In Canada, the exact same type of insulin can be purchased for just $30.

Big Pharma knocks and Mitch listens.

Let’s take a look at other categories of donors. Homemakers gave a total over $450,000. Presidents, CEO, Executives, etc. gave a total over $2.2 million. The largest category? $2.7 million from Retired individuals!

Looking at Open Secrets and analyzing contribution information you will find many head scratchers. Mitch received financial support from the Texas based Chinese firm Westlake Chemical Corporation. One of the owners is a Mr. James Chao. Apparently no relation to Mitch’s wife Elaine Chao. There is a Triumph Education company referred to as a private for profit higher education company that also has ties to China.

Sounds like I need to do a future Mitch and Money related to ties to China.

Mitch received donations from Coors Brewing, Hess Corporation, Home Depot, Nextera Energy, Hawaii National Bank, Eaton Steel, Fidelity Investments, Juul, Altria, Dosal Tobacco Company.

All of these companies and their employees donate because this helps them get in the door. Unsaid in this discussion are the untold millions of dollars these companies spend hiring lobbyist who are able to knock on Mitch’s door. They are willing to pay the entry fee.

I think everyone knows that with Mitch it is all about Money and Power. Mitch has said on many occasions that the key to succeeding as a politician is Money Money Money. He knows that Money buys Power and Power buys Control.

Lastly, as the Senate Majority Leader he has the ability to have funds appropriated in areas where it may help him. As an example, this week Mitch announced that the Mountain Parkway would receive $55 million dollars in transportation funds.

Giving the timing I would call this targeted vote buying.

We need to Ditch Mitch in November and turn the seat over to the winner of the upcoming June 23rd Democratic primary! Everyone — please remember to vote! We have an opportunity to make this happen.

Doug Price is a member/treasurer of the MMRC and a regular participant on the #MoscowMitchMonday live stream, discussing Mitch and Money. Doug is an advocate of governmental change on the State/Federal level and has periodically worked on Democratic campaigns dating back to the 80s. Follow Doug on Twitter @ PriceDoug