Drug firms spent more than $800 million on campaigns

RAW STORY

Pharma army: 1,300 lobbyists hired in last year

The pharmaceutical industry's run of success on Capitol Hill has benefited from the more than $800 million spent since 1998 on lobbyists and political campaigns, a political watchdog group told AP's Kevin Freking Wednesday. The trade group representing drug makers said the money helped patients. The following excerpts, acquired by RAW STORY, will run nationwide later tonight.