Sen. Clinton wins healthcare industry backing

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) is finding support--and campaign donations--from doctors, hospitals, drug manufacturers and insurers. This is a major turnaround for the Senator, whose proposed massive reforms to the industry in the 1990s won her the ire of the industry and made her the target of more than a few jokes about "Hillarycare." Yet in the last few years, Clinton has become more moderate in her views and has help pass several bills in support of healthcare providers. These include provisions to lower the cost of malpractice insurance, foster the adoption of healthcare IT and improve mental health coverage.

With constant speculation of a possible 2008 bid for president, it's no wonder that many in the healthcare industry are ready to embrace Sen. Clinton. Those who donate now could reap the benefits that come with supporting a successful presidential candidate. And the industry has proved it's ready to pay dearly for her success; with $854,462 in donations from 2005 to 2006, Clinton is second only to Rick Santorum (R-PA) for donations received from the healthcare industry.

- see this The New York Times article

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