PhRMA ad praises Hagan

With the health care debate in Congress reaching a critical juncture, the pharmaceutical industry is spending large sums on TV advertising in North Carolina to help shape the discussion.

PhRMA, the pharmaceuticial industry group, won’t say how much it is spending in the state, Rob Christensen reports.

But public records show that the industry group has spent $75,377 on WRAL-TV alone.

The industry ad that has been running in recent days — and was airing Monday — praised Democratic Sen. Kay Hagan, a member of the Senate Health Committee. The ad is also sponsored by Families USA a nonpartisan advocacy group that pushes for affordable health care.

Hagan is one of the Southern moderates who had expressed reservations about the public health option part of President Barack Obama’s healh care plan.

"On the issues that matter to working families, Kay Hagan has been there — whether it's fighting to make healthcare more affordable or voting to expand healthcare coverage to 11 million kids without insurance," says the industry ad. "And now, Kay Hagan's leading the fight to ensure quality, affordable healthcare for every American, so you get to choose your doctor, and your doctor decides which treatments and medicines are best for you. Call Senator Hagan today. Tell her thanks for standing up for us."

The industry group, which includes local giant GlaxoSmithKline, began the advertising campaign July 2 and it is scheduled to continue at last until August 2nd, according records.

The ad campaign is part of a stepped up effort by both sides on the health care debate.

Moveon.Org., a liberal advocacy group, had threatened to run TV ads against Hagan, but so far has not done so. The Washington Post has reported that Obama has asked health advocacy groups to stop criticizing Democratic senators, including Hagan.

Update: Post now states that the ad has two sponsors.