The Charlotte Observer
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
www.charlotte.com

Reality Check

Jim Morrill

8th District Republican U.S. Rep. Robin Hayes' latest ad takes on Democrat Larry Kissell over Medicare's new prescription drug benefit.

THE AD

"Medicare's Prescription Drug Benefit. Endorsed by the American Medical Association and AARP. But Larry Kissell said he was against it. Called it `government intrusion,' even though the plan makes prescription drugs more affordable for millions of seniors. Kissell called it a `boondoggle.'

"Boondoggle -- that's another word for waste. The new Medicare Prescription Drug Benefit keeps costs down for millions of seniors. But to Larry Kissell, it's just waste. I'm Robin Hayes and I approve this message."

THE PICTURES

The ad opens with logos of the American Medical Association and the AARP superimposed over a backdrop of pills. It features pictures of smiling seniors juxtaposed with less-than-flattering images of Kissell.

THE FACTS

Kissell is trying to tap the frustration many seniors felt when signing up for Medicare's often-confusing Part D prescription drug coverage. It's true that he called the plan, which Hayes voted for, a "boondoggle."

Kissell says he and the AARP agree that in the 2003 legislation, lawmakers should have allowed the government to negotiate lower drug prices. The group advocates just such a move.

However, the AARP -- which claims 1 million N.C. members -- also calls the prescription drug benefit "a historic breakthrough."

"Though far from perfect, the bill represents an ... important milestone in the nation's commitment to strengthen and expand health security for its citizens at a time when it is sorely needed," the organization's Web site says.

Bob Garner, the AARP's N.C. spokesman, said the ad's facts are right. What he takes issue with is the campaign's use of the group's logo. "It implies an endorsement that doesn't, in fact, exist," says Garner.