It's official. The drug industry's chief lobbyists — the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America — raised and spent at least $101.2 million in 2009 on advocacy efforts during the contentious health care overhaul debate, according to tax documents the group filed last month.
Former PhRMA CEO Billy Tauzin tells Shots the lobby used the money — special contributions from member companies — for broadcast and print ads, grassroots and direct lobbying, polling and consulting. Tauzin, who has a two-year contract to advise PhRMA's new leader, recently opened his own DC-based lobbying shop with his son Tom.
The former Republican Louisiana lawmaker was sweetly rewarded for his efforts on the overhaul. He pulled down a $2.1 million salary, as well as a bonus of $2.3 million in 2009, according to the tax filing. Including other benefits, Tauzin’s total compensation was $4.6 million, just up from his $4.4 million the year before.
Tauzin left PhRMA in mid-2010 amid rumors his support of the health overhaul led to his demise at PhRMA. Tauzin denied he was pushed out in an interview. "I gave PhRMA a five-and-a-half-year contract when I came out of cancer. That was my commitment and, quite frankly, I was burnt.” (Tauzin was diagnosed with intestinal cancer in 2004 and credits his survival to a drug produced by Genentech.)