I took a break from the ordinary(not reading the NY Times) and bought the Monday, March 6 Phoenix metro edition of the
East Valley Tribune.
As I work my way through, I come across a 1/4 page ad saluting former local sports anchor and current buffoon, Congressman J.D. Hayworth; paid for by one of his largest contributors this election cycle. The question is, is this legal?
The ad copy is after the fold:
THANK YOU, REPRESENATTIVE HAYWORTH, FOR YOUR SUPPORT OF QUALITY KIDNEY CARE IN ARIZONA
I am one of thousands of people suffering from kidney failure in Arizona, where the national rate of newly diagnosed cases is well above the natinoal average. More than 5,800 Arizona residents will experience kidney failure this year alone.
I applaud Representative Hayworth's support of legislation that will sustain quality improvements for those with kidney disease. The increase in Medicare resources to account for inflation is imperative for quality care and quality of life for patients. Without it, these improvments in care and services could be jeopardized.
Thank you, Representative Hayworth, for your support of patients like me, and the providers who care for us. You have long recognized the importance of adequate funding and access for quality dialysis care, so that patien ts can remain productive members of society
The ad includes a small photo of Rep. Hayworth and a large one of an unidentified older woman, who would the unsigned "statement" would be attributed to.
The ad is aid for by DaVita, adialysis/kidney treatment company which is the largest single contributor to Hayworth's election campaign($11,000 according to Open Secret's website.)
So the questions are:
- Does this ad count as a political contribution?
- If it is, has Hayworth's campaign disclosed it?
- Is this a quid pro quo example for Hayworth's support of legislation beneficial to DaVita?
- What are the actions that Hayworth has taken to benefit DaVita??
I'll try and dig a little deeper over the next couple of days, unless folks here already have answers, or can find them before I do.