Doctors share the wealth with congressional candidates

Doctors and other health professionals are contributing generously to candidates from both parties in this year’s mid-term election, OpenSecrets.org reported.

Rep. Bill Cassidy (R-La.), a gastroenterologist, has reaped almost $623,000 from his fellow health professionals – more money than any other candidate in the 2013-2014 election cycle. On the other side of Capitol Hill, Sen. John Cornyn (R-Tex.) has taken in the most in donations, totalling just over $533,000 in this election cycle. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has received just under $500,000, according to the Center for Responsive Politics, which operates OpenSecrets.com.

In the House, Rep. Phil Gingrey (R-Ga.), an ob.gyn., has seen about $413,000 in donations. Ten physician-legislators are included in the top 20 candidates most generously supported by health professionals.

The report from the Center for Responsive Politics is based on data released by the Federal Election Commission on Sept. 8, 2014, and covers contributions of $200 or more from political action committees and individuals.

The health professionals category includes physicians, dentists, nurses, physician assistants, other health professionals, and the political action committees that represent them.

rfranki@frontlinemedcom.com