WASHINGTON, Mar 1, 2009 (UPI via COMTEX) -- U.S. healthcare reform groups say
they are starting campaigns to counter industry lobbyists and Republican
opposition to White House proposals.
With the healthcare industry already gearing up to oppose U.S. President Barack
Obama's still-evolving package of reforms, corporate opposition also is lining
up against him elsewhere, The New York Times reported Sunday.
Oil and gas executives closely aligned with the Republican Party opposition say
they will fight new industry tax provisions; and real estate interests have
vowed to resist new limits on interest deductions for higher-income households.
But on the healthcare front, liberal groups have launched their own lobbying
efforts to support Obama's budget proposals, with analysts saying the new
Democratic president can expect help from several outside groups -- such as from
the National Coalition on Health Care.
Ralph Neas, the group's leader, told the Times he is beginning a campaign of
television ads, "blogger outreaches" and community meetings. The coalition even
has business backers of its own, such as Exelon Corp. of Chicago and Giant Food
stores.
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