Pharma Lobbying Up Dramatically In 2007

A report released earlier this week by the Center for Public Integrity states that drug and device manufacturers spent $168 million on lobbying in 2007, an increase of 32 percent over 2006. Pharma companies are the biggest lobbyists on Capitol Hill. Obviously, pharma companies get a return on their investment or they wouldn't spend this kind of money--and when it comes to political candidates, the companies gave more to Dems than to Republicans in the most recent election cycle. I guess they are trying to influence all those new Dems in Congress.

With spending like this, it's a wonder patients get the ear of Congress at all. Or do we?