Thursday, October 5, 2006

Biscoe, NC – Republican incumbent and textile magnate Rep. Robin Hayes is on the attack in his 8th District re-election bid, depicting his opponent, former textile mill worker and Democratic nominee Larry Kissell, as against the wasteful spending in Washington, emphasizing in particular Kissell's characterization of the "boondoggle" that has become the Medicare Part D Drug Benefit.

"The new Medicare is a boondoggle for America's seniors. Fact is that insurance companies and HMO's got billions out of the new Medicare changes. Seniors got a confusing plan and lost their right to negotiate lower drug prices. What's ironic about Hayes' ad is that AARP and I share the same position on negotiating lower drug costs. But Hayes ultimately voted for a bill that banned negotiations. It's a miracle the AARP would allow their name to be associated with Hayes," said Kissell.

Kissell's campaign noted the following information from "AARP on the Issues" at AARP.org:

Medicare should also be able to use its purchasing power to obtain price discounts that beneficiaries can apply to their out-of-pocket drug purchases by allowing the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate with pharmaceutical companies for reduced drug costs.

AARP also believes that Congress should reduce, and ultimately eliminate, the coverage gap in the Medicare prescription drug benefit; and should eliminate the asset test used to determine eligibility for low-income assistance.

After hearing of the ad, Kissell said, " Washington is one strange place. Evidently political groups in DC support people who vote against their interests. It looks to me like Robin has gotten too comfy with these folks. I've said it before and I'll say it again, Washington has changed Robin Hayes."