“The fact Joe Donnelly has the audacity to support higher taxes on Hoosiers when he has a habit of being late paying his own taxes is truly appalling,”NRSC spokesman Lance Trover said today.  “The bottom line is Indiana voters simply cannot afford to send a hypocrite like Joe Donnelly, who wants to raise their taxes, to Washington D.C.” 

Click Here To Watch

BACKGROUND….

Donnelly Has Voted For Middle Class Tax Increases

Donnelly Voted For The Final Version Of The Obama-Pelosi-Reid Health Care Bill That President Obama Signed Into Law. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #165: Motion Agreed To 219-212: R 0-178; D 219-34, 3/21/10, Donnelly Voted Yea)

“Obama Has Imposed The Largest Tax Increase In History On The Middle Class.” “The Affordable Care Act is more unpopular now than when it passed, yet it will grind on toward implementation in a second Obama term. . . It is now undeniable that Mr. Obama has imposed the largest tax increase in history on the middle class.” (“It’s Up To The Voters Now,” The Wall Street Journal, 6/28/12)

The Congressional Budget Office Estimates Nearly 6 Million Americans Will Get Hit With Obamacare’s Tax Increase. “Congressional budget analysts are now estimating that nearly 6 million Americans — most of them in the middle class — will have to pay a tax penalty for not getting health insurance once President Barack Obama’s health care law is fully in place.” (“Tax Penalty To Hit Nearly 6M Uninsured People,” The Associated Press, 9/19/12)

The CBO Analysis Found That “Nearly 80 Percent Of Those Who’ll Face The Penalty” Are In The Middle Class. “Nonetheless, in his first campaign for the White House, Obama pledged not to raise taxes on individuals making less than $200,000 a year and couples making less than $250,000. And the budget office analysis found that nearly 80 percent of those who’ll face the penalty would be making up to or less than five times the federal poverty level.” (“Tax Penalty To Hit Nearly 6M Uninsured People,” The Associated Press, 9/19/12)

In 2016, 4.7 Million Americans – Who Live In Families That Earn Up To $123,000 Per Year – Will Be Subjected To The Individual Mandate Tax In Obamacare. (“Payments Of Penalties For Being Uninsured Under The Affordable Care Act,” Congressional Budget Office, 9/19/12)

“The Average Penalty Will Be Nearly $1,200.” (Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar, “Tax Penalty To Hit Nearly 6 Million Uninsured People,” The Associated Press, 9/19/12)

Donnelly Claimed He “Didn’t Like Taxes” In A Congressional Debate

DONNELLY: “I Don’t Like Taxes. I Don’t Believe In Raising Taxes.” (2^ndCongressional District Debate, www.c-spanvideo.org, 10/16/04)

Donnelly Has A History Of Personal Tax Trouble

“. . . [J]oe Donnelly’s habit of being late paying property taxes on his Granger residence as well as on a vacation home in Michigan City . . .” (James Wensits, “GOP Cites Donnelly Tax Problems,” [IN] South Bend Tribune, 7/25/06)

“Tax Records In St. Joseph And LaPorte Counties Indicate That Donnelly Has Paid His Tax Bills Late On Several Occasions Since 1999, and has had to pay delinquent penalties several times through the years.” (James Wensits, “GOP Cites Donnelly Tax Problems,” [IN] South Bend Tribune, 7/25/06)

Joe Donnelly Has Paid 18 Fall Or Spring Late Penalties On His Property Taxes.(St. Joseph and LaPorte County Tax Records)

“Donnelly Has Also Been Pilloried For An Incident In Which The IRS Placed A Lien Against A Donnelly Family Business Operated By His Brother In LaPorte County For Unpaid Payroll Taxes.“ “The taxes were paid, along with penalties and interest. In an early charge that has been brought back in more recent commercials, Donnelly has also been pilloried for an incident in which the IRS placed a lien against a Donnelly family business operated by his brother in LaPorte County for unpaid payroll taxes. Donnelly hasn’t disputed that the IRS action happened, but he explained that even though he was listed as an officer in the company at the time of the 2001 incident, he had not played an active role in the firm after leaving it in 1997 to start his own business, Marking Solutions Inc., in Mishawaka.” (James Wensits, “Turnout to be high for Chocola, Donnelly nail-biter,” South Bend Tribune, 11/5/06)

“[T]he Donnelly Family Firm, Superior Marking Equipment Co. (Now Stewart Superior Corp.), Had A $99,972 Lien Placed Against It By The IRS In 2001 For Unpaid Payroll Taxes. At The Time, Donnelly Was Listed As The Firm’s Vice President And General Counsel. The Report Also Stated That The Lien Was Satisfied In November 2002.” (James Wensits, “Congressional Race Explodes,” [IN]South Bend Tribune, 8/4/06)

“Donnelly Didn’t Dispute That The Incident Occurred, but he said his active role in the business and any remuneration from the business ended in 1997, years before the lien was placed.” (James Wensits, “Congressional Race Explodes,” [IN]South Bend Tribune, 8/4/06)

“Jack Donnelly Confirmed His Brother’s Claim, Saying That His Brother’s Title As Vice President Was A Nominal One That Involved No Remuneration Or Involvement In Business Decisions After April 1997.” (James Wensits, “Congressional Race Explodes,” [IN] South Bend Tribune, 8/4/06)

Joe Donnelly Was Listed As A Registered Agent Because He Lived In Indiana Whereas His Brother, Jack Donnelly, Lived In New Jersey. “Jack Donnelly said his brother was listed as a registered agent for the company because it made sense to have an agent of record living in Indiana. ‘I live in New Jersey,’ said Jack Donnelly, adding that he has served as president of the company since 1991.” (James Wensits, “Congressional Race Explodes,” [IN] South Bend Tribune, 8/4/06)

The post New NRSC Ad Highlights Joe Donnelly’s “Habit” Of Being Late Paying Taxes appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Nearly four years ago, President Barack Obama and Cong. Joe Donnelly rammed an $825 billion stimulus into law that was supposed to “create and save much needed jobs and help get our economy back on track,” yet today’s jobs report reiterates that their failed economic policies are not working.

As the Wall Street Journal reports:

JOB GROWTH SLOWS SHARPLY IN AUGUST: Job growth slowed sharply in August, the Labor Department said Friday. Total nonfarm payrolls increased by 96,000, lower than the 125,000 gain expected by Wall Street economists.  Adding to the sense of weakness, job growth in the past two months were revised down by 41,000.  The unemployment rate declined to 8.1% in August from 8.3% in the previous month but the drop was due to a smaller labor force.  Economists forecast the unemployment rate to hold steady at 8.3%.  Average hourly earnings were flat at $23.52.  Earnings are up 1.7% in the past year. The average workweek was unchanged at 34.3 hours. (Greg Robb, Job growth slows sharply in August, Wall Street Journal’s Market Watch, 9/7/12)

Notably, according to Donnelly and his fellow Democrats if their policies actually worked, the national unemployment rate would be well below 6 percent by now.

“We’ve tried the failed policies of President Obama and Joe Donnelly and today’s report is just further proof that their tax-and-spend agenda is not working,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee spokesman Lance Trover.  “Hoosiers simply cannot afford six more years of Joe Donnelly’s failed economic leadership and it’s time to send a true reformer like Richard Mourdock to Washington.”

BACKGROUND….

Donnelly Promised The Stimulus Would Create and Save Jobs

Donnelly Said He Was “Pleased” That The Stimulus Passed And Said The Bill Would “Create And Save Much-Needed Jobs And Help Get Our Economy Back On Track.” “‘I was pleased that The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act passed in the House of Representatives today,’ Donnelly said. ‘I voted for this legislation because it will create and save much-needed jobs and help get our economy back on track. Our current economic situation is too dire to do nothing, and I believe this stimulus plan is one of the answers to getting our economy back on the path to recovery.’” (Rep. Joe Donnelly Press Release, “Rep. Donnelly Lauds Passage Of Recovery And Reinvestment Plan,” 2/14/09)

And That The Unemployment Rate Today Would Be Less Than 6%  

The post New Jobs Report Reiterates That The Policies Of President Obama & Cong. Donnelly Are Not Working appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Two years after Joe Donnelly voted for ObamaCare, which he promised would reduce healthcare costs for millions of people, a new report today from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO) reveals that the price of healthcare continues to increase.

Since the healthcare bill has been signed into law, costs have risen by 9 percent and the average premium has risen by $1,300.  They could rise as much as $2,500 according to today’s CBO report.

As the CBO reports:

The additional enrollees [i.e., those previously projected to enroll in Medicaid, but who will now receive Exchange subsidies in light of the Court’s ruling] are likely to spend more on health care, on average, than those previously expected to purchase insurance through the exchanges because people with lower income generally have somewhat poorer health.  As a result, CBO and JCT now estimate that the premiums for health insurance offered through the exchanges, along with premiums in the individual market, will be 2 percent higher than those estimated in March 2012.

Notably, the total cost of the healthcare bill has risen from $940 billion to nearly $1.75 trillion. 

“Joe Donnelly promised ObamaCare would lower the cost of healthcare, but today Hoosiers are paying more money than ever,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover.  “Between the job-killing taxes and the raiding of Medicare funds, it’s clear Joe Donnelly misled Indiana voters about the true effects of his government-run healthcare plan.”

BACKGROUND …

Joe Donnelly Promised ObamaCare Would Lower Healthcare Costs

Donnelly Has Defended His Vote For Health Care Reform As Lowering Costs. “[D]onnelly’s support of health-care reform last November, a vote he defended by saying the bill will help secure families’ health coverage and lower costs without adding to the national debt.” (Kevin Allen, “Local GOP Hopes For Best,” [IN] South Bend Tribune, 1/25/10)

Meanwhile Healthcare Costs Across The Country Continue To Rise

BLOOMBERG:  “The average cost of a family policy climbed 9 percent in 2011 to $15,073, according to a poll of 2,088 private companies and state and local government agencies by the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation in Menlo Park, California, and the Chicago- based American Hospital Association’s Health Research and Educational Trust.” (Jeffrey Young, “Health-Benefit Costs Rise Most In Six Years,” Bloomberg, 9/27/11)

WALL STREET JOURNAL:  “[In 2011], the health-insurance premiums employers pay rose sharply this year, with the average annual cost of family coverage passing the $15,000 mark for the first time, according to a major survey.” (“Employer Health Premiums Rise Sharply,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/27/11) 

WALL STREET JOURNAL: “The average annual family premium for 2011 was $15,073, up from $13,770 last year.” (“Employer Health Premiums Rise Sharply,” The Wall Street Journal, 9/27/11)

The post Despite Joe Donnelly’s Promise, The Cost Of Healthcare Continues To Rise In Indiana appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Two years ago liberal U.S. Congressman Joe Donnelly– at the urging of Nancy Pelosi – provided a key vote for President Obama’s health care bill which the Supreme Court recently confirmed was a massive tax increase on the American people. Today, Donnelly reaffirmed his support of this job-killing law by voting against its repeal.

According to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office (CBO), ObamaCare will cut $500 billion from Medicare, raise taxes by over $500 billion and force every American to purchase health insurance.

Notably, the Wall Street Journal has written that ObamaCare is the largest tax increase in history on the middle class.

• “It is now undeniable that Mr. Obama has imposed the largest tax increase in history on the middle class. Individuals who don’t buy insurance will have to pay several hundred dollars, depending on income. The Congressional Budget Office says that 76% of those who pay the mandate tax will make less than 500% of the federal poverty level, estimated to be $24,000 for a family of four in 2016. That means 76% of the payers will earn less than $120,000 a year.” (Editorial, “It’s Up To The Voters Now,” The Wall Street Journal, 6/28/12)

“Not only did Joe Donnelly vote for ObamaCare, but today he reaffirmed his support for what is the largest tax increase ever on the middle class,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover.  “This election will be a clear contrast between Congressman Donnelly and his support for President Obama’s big government agenda and Richard Mourdock who will continue working to repeal ObamaCare and cut wasteful government spending.”   

BACKGROUND…

Donnelly Proudly Voted For ObamaCare 

Donnelly Voted For The Final Version Of The Obama-Pelosi-Reid Health Care Bill That President Obama Later Signed Into Law. (H.R. 3590, CQ Vote #165: Motion Agreed To 219-212: R 0-178; D 219-34, 3/21/10, Donnelly Voted Yea)

• Donnelly Voted For The Reconciliation Package. (H.R. 4872, CQ Vote #167: Passed 220-211: R 0-178; D 220-33, 3/21/10, Donnelly Voted Yea)

Donnelly Proudly Voted Against A Full Repeal ObamaCare (HR 6079, Vote #460: Passed by a vote of 244-185: R 239-0; D 5-185, 7/11/12, Donnelly Voted Nay)

The post Donnelly Votes Against Repealing ObamaCare appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

“President Obama and Joe Donnelly have long supported higher taxes, bigger government and increased spending, so their support for yet another massive tax hike on Indiana small businesses comes as little surprise.  But in the wake of another weak jobs report, a massive health care bill that increases taxes on the middle class and a growing $15 trillion debt, why can’t Joe Donnelly answer one very simple question – how does raising taxes on Indiana small businesses create jobs?”  — Lance Trover, NRSC Spokesman

BACKGROUND … 

FLASHBACK – President Obama: “The Last Thing You Want To Do Is Raise Taxes In The Middle Of A Recession.” (President Obama, Remarks During An Interview With NBC, Elkhart, IN, 8/5/09)

OBAMA-DONNELLY SOLUTION FOR THE 23 MILLION AMERICANS STRUGGLING TO FIND WORK IS TO RAISE TAXES ON JOB CREATORS AND SMALL BUSINESSES

• Roughly 940,000 small businesses will be hit by a big tax hike. According to the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), “75 percent of small businesses are organized as pass-through entities meaning they pay taxes on their business income at the individual rate.” The Joint Committee on Taxation (JCT) estimates the tax hike would hit about 940,000 small businesses (see more here from ABC News). 

• Half of all small business income would face higher taxes. According to Bloomberg News, analysis by JCT also shows President Obama’s plan for massive tax hikes “would mean higher taxes on 53 percent of business income reported on individual returns.”

• More than a quarter of American workers’ jobs are at risk. “According to U.S. Census data,” says NFIB, small businesses “employ more than 25 percent of the total workforce.” Raising taxes on small businesses threatens these jobs – the last thing we need to do in a weak economy. 

Today’s Economy Weaker Than When Obama Extended All Tax Rates

2010 Economic Growth: 3.1%

Real GDP growth over the four quarters before Dec. 2010 tax rate extension: 3.1% (“Table 1.1.1, Percent Change From Preceding Period In Real Gross Domestic Product,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 7/9/12) 

2012 Economic Growth: 2.0%

Real GDP growth over the previous four quarters: 2.0% (“Table 1.1.1, Percent Change From Preceding Period In Real Gross Domestic Product,” Bureau Of Economic Analysis, Accessed 7/9/12) 

In 2010, Obama Said Tax Increases ‘Would Have Been A Blow To Our Economy’

PRESIDENT OBAMA: “…tax rates for every American were poised to automatically increase on January 1st… would have been a blow to our economy just as we’re climbing out of a devastating recession.” (President Obama, Remarks At Bill Signing, 12/17/10) 

• OBAMA: “If we allow these taxes to go up, the result would be that a lot of people most likely would spend less, and that means that the economy would grow less.” (President Obama, Remarks, Kokomo, IN, 11/23/10) 

• OBAMA: “You don’t raise taxes in a recession.” (“Obama: We Must ‘Help Elkhart Reinvent Itself,’” MSNBC, 8/5/09; Video Here)

JOE DONNELLY’S TAX-AND-SPEND RECORD, JUST LIKE OBAMA’S

DONNELLY SUPPORTS THE BUFFETT RULE: He says there needs to be some form of what’s been dubbed the “Buffett rule,” to prevent the richest Americans from paying lower rates because of the way investment and hedge-fund interest income are taxed. (WIBC, April 2, 2012)

The post Obama, Donnelly Want Higher Taxes On Small Businesses, But Can’t Explain How That Will Create More Indiana Jobs appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

Two years ago Congressman Joe Donnelly gave President Obama a key vote to pass ObamaCare, claiming the bill would not raise taxes, and today the Supreme Court has affirmed Donnelly’s decision to put President Obama’s agenda ahead of Indiana seniors and small businesses.  In doing so, the Court has made clear what is at stake in November’s election.

“The Supreme Court’s decision makes clear that the only way to stop the massive tax increases, government spending, and cuts to Medicare contained in ObamaCare is to ensure Joe Donnelly does not make it to the United States Senate,” National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) Lance Trover said today.  

BACKGROUND….

Donnelly Was Initially Hesitant About Voting for Health Care…Until Nancy Pelosi Called

In A 2008 Debate, Donnelly Said He Didn’t Agree With Then Presidential Candidate Barack Obama’s Health-Care Plan.  “Donnelly said he doesn’t agree with presidential candidate Barack Obama’s health-care plan, but favored a proposed plan that would be revenue neutral, extend coverage and expand insurance pools through the private sector.” (Ken de la Bastide, “Donnelly, Puckett Spar At Debate: Economic Issues Take Center Stage,” [IN] Kokomo Tribune, 10/30/08)

Nancy Pelosi Was Able To Help Convince Donnelly To Vote Yes By Getting The Roman Catholic President Emeritus Of Notre Dame To Call Donnelly On Behalf Of The Bill. “With others, she delegated. A knowledgeable Democratic official said that Pelosi, a Roman Catholic, asked the Rev. Theodore Hesburgh, president emeritus of Notre Dame and frequent appointee to presidential commissions, to call Rep. Joe Donnelly of Indiana on behalf of the legislation. In the end, Donnelly voted yes.” (Laurie Kellman, “On Health Care, Pelosi Kept Democrats Thinking Big,” The Associated Press, 3/22/10)

And Then Joe Donnelly Proudly Voted For ObamaCare…Saying It Was The Right Decision 

“Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Said An Indianapolis Star Headline. (Maureen Groppe, “Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/10)

“Indiana Rep. Joe Donnelly’s Decision Sunday To Back A Health-Care Overhaul Package Helped Give Democrats The Votes Needed To Pass The Bill. The outcome became assured after a group of anti-abortion Democrats that included Donnelly announced Sunday afternoon that they had reached an agreement with the White House over abortion coverage.” (Maureen Groppe, “Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/10)

Donnelly Affirmed His Support For ObamaCare By Calling His Vote “The Right Decision.” “Donnelly said his votes for health care reform and the stimulus were tough decisions, but they were the right decisions. ‘You don’t get to cast just easy votes,’ he said.” (Kevin Allen, “Race Could Grab Nation’s Attention,” [IN] South Bend Tribune, 5/17/10)

Donnelly Said ObamaCare Would “Not Raise State Taxes”

“Finally, Donnelly Said He Believes The Bill Will Not Raise State Taxes, Nor Will It Take Away Jobs. ‘I See This As Adding To The Employment Rolls,’ He Said.” (Kim Kilbride, “Donnelly Explains ‘Yes’ Vote On Reform,” South Bend Tribune, 3/23/10)

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND…. 

The Cost Of ObamaCare To Indiana Alone

Obama’s Government-Run Health Care Harming Indiana

The Center For Medicare & Medicaid Studies (CMS) Estimates From 2014 To 2020 ObamaCare Will Cost Indiana An Additional $328.2 Million. (Edmund Haislmaier and Brian Blasé, “Obamacare: Impact On States,” www.heritage.org, 7/1/10)

Indiana Sued The Federal Government Challenging The Constitutionality Of ObamaCare’s Individual Mandate. (Brandon Stewart, “List Of 27 States Suing Over ObamaCare,” The Heritage Foundation’s “The Foundry” Blog, blog.heritage.org, 1/17/11) 

Indiana One Of 34 States To Lose A Child Only Insurance Policy Since ObamaCare Was Signed Into Law. (US Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Minority Oversight and Investigations Staff Phone and Email Preliminary Survey, www.politico.com, 1/27/11)

ObamaCare Could Increase Indiana’s Health Spending By $3.6 Billion Dollars. “Confronted by severe budget crunches because of the recession, many governors are complaining that they cannot afford to meet current obligations to fund Medicaid, the state/federal health scheme for the poor—never mind the increased contributions that will come in under the law after 2014. [Mitch] Daniels, for example, claims that the new legislation will increase his state’s health spending by as much as $3.6 billion by 2020, a lot for a state whose entire budget is only $13 billion a year. Other Republican governors are making similar claims.” (“The appeal of repeal,” The Economist, 6/24/10)

The Obama Administration Rejected Indiana’s Request For A Waiver From ObamaCare.  “The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has rejected Indiana’s bid for an exemption from federal health care overhaul rules that require insurers selling policies to individuals to essentially dedicate 80 percent of the premiums they collect to medical care. In other words, business costs and profits cannot total more than 20 percent of the premiums the insurers collect, or else they must pay rebates to policyholders the following year.” (Ken Kusmer, “Feds Reject Indiana Request For Health Care Waiver,” Insurance Journal, 11/30/11) 

“The Indiana Department Of Insurance, Arguing The 80 Percent Rule Was Discouraging Insurers From Selling Individual Policies.” “The Indiana Department of Insurance, arguing the 80 percent rule was discouraging insurers from selling individual policies, requested permission to allow the companies to devote just 65 percent of premiums to medical care this year, about 69 percent next year, 72 percent in 2013 and 76 percent in 2014.” (Ken Kusmer, “Feds Reject Indiana Request For Health Care Waiver,” Insurance Journal, 11/30/11)

“Exodus” Of Insurance Companies Will Likely Result In “Fewer Choices And Higher Costs For Consumers.” “However, consumer advocates say the exodus of Aetna and other companies likely will result in fewer choices and higher costs for consumers under health insurance exchanges to be established in 2013 under the federal health care overhaul.” (“Aetna Latest Out Of Ind. Individual Market,” The Associated Press, 8/3/11)

Aetna And Cigna Corp. Have Recently Withdrawn From The Individual Health Insurance Market In Indiana. “Hartford-based Aetna Inc. and Philadelphia-based Cigna Corp., which are the third- and fifth-largest health insurers respectively, have announced their departure from Indiana’s individual health insurance market.” (J.K. Wall, “Five Individual Insurers Leaving Indiana,” Indianapolis Business Journal, 8/8/11)

The Exit Of These Insurance Companies In Indiana Leaves Over 20,000 Hoosiers Without Health Care Coverage. “In addition, Illinois-based Pekin Insurance, Michigan-based American Community Mutual Insurance Co. and New York-based Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America also have decided to leave the individual market. The five companies covered more than 20,000 Hoosiers, or about 10 percent of all those who have individual health insurance.” (J.K. Wall, “Five Individual Insurers Leaving Indiana,” Indianapolis Business Journal, 8/8/11)

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The National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) released the following statement in response to today’s misleading attack ad from the Indiana Democrat Party.

“Joe Donnelly’s claim that he will lower debt when it was he who provided a key vote for President Obama’s failed $825 billion stimulus is like Nancy Pelosi claiming to be a fiscal conservative – ridiculous.  Hoosiers understand that Donnelly has been an ardent supporter of Speaker Pelosi and President Obama, including voting for ObamaCare, which cut Medicare by $500 billion and is causing health care costs to skyrocket across the country.  The hardworking men and women of Indiana simply cannot afford the Donnelly-Obama way of doing business.” – NRSC Spokesman Lance Trover

Earlier today the NRSC released a new web ad highlighting Joe Donnelly misleading Hoosiers by claiming to not support Nancy Pelosi for Speaker of the House, when he, in fact, voted for her not once, but twice.

DONNELLY RUNNING FROM RECORD

The post NRSC Statement On Misleading Attack Ad from Indiana Democrats appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

On the eve of the Indiana Democratic Convention, the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) is releasing a new web video highlighting Joe Donnelly’s support of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

This weekend’s meeting is the first time Indiana Democrats have been together since their 2012 Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner where Pelosi, as their featured guest, extolled the virtues of ObamaCare.

Donnelly’s support of Pelosi and ObamaCare is well documented, however, now that he is a candidate for Senate, Donnelly is in a mad dash to get as far away from both as soon as possible.

Donnelly claimed in May that he did not vote for Pelosi, when, in fact, he voted not once, but twice for her to be Speaker of the House.

DONNELLY RUNNING FROM RECORD

“No matter how hard or how far he runs, nothing will remove the fact that Joe Donnelly provided key votes for Nancy Pelosi to be speaker of the house and pass ObamaCare,” said NRSC Spokesman Lance Trover. “Joe Donnelly’s votes as a Congressman are increasing the cost of health care, plunging America further into debt, and killing jobs and Hoosiers simply cannot afford that from their next United States Senator.”
BACKGROUND …

In 2012, Donnelly Said He Didn’t Vote For Pelosi As Speaker Of The House

In 2012, Donnelly Said “I Did Not Vote For Her [Pelosi] For Speaker.” “Joe Donnelly says he’s not worried about Nancy Pelosi’s politics being tied to his campaign. ‘Well, I did not vote for her for Speaker and so, you know, my focus is on the Senate race, what we’re doing here and on job creation,’ Donnelly (D-2nd) says.” (Brandon Smith, “Republicans Call Pelosi Fundraiser A Misstep For State Dems,” Indiana Public Broadcasting Stations (IPBS), 5/7/12)

But, Donnelly Has Voted For Pelosi In The Past

On January 4, 2007, Donnelly Voted For The Nomination Of Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. For Speaker Of The House Of Representatives For The 110th Congress. “Nomination of Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. and John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, for Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 110th Congress.” (CQ Vote #2: Pelosi elected by a vote of 233-202; R: 0-202; D: 233-0, 1/4/07, Donnelly Voted Yea) 

On January 6, 2009, Donnelly Voted For The Nomination Of Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif. For Speaker Of The House Of Representatives For The 111th Congress. “Nomination of Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and John A. Boehner, R-Ohio, for Speaker of the House of Representatives for the 111th Congress.” (CQ Vote #2: Pelosi elected by a vote of 255-174; R: 0-174; D: 255-0, 1/6/09, Donnelly Voted Yea)

“Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Said An Indianapolis Star Headline. (Maureen Groppe, “Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/10)

“Indiana Rep. Joe Donnelly’s Decision Sunday To Back A Health-Care Overhaul Package Helped Give Democrats The Votes Needed To Pass The Bill. The outcome became assured after a group of anti-abortion Democrats that included Donnelly announced Sunday afternoon that they had reached an agreement with the White House over abortion coverage.” (Maureen Groppe, “Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/10)

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When Joe Donnelly provided a key vote for Barack Obama’s $1.76 trillion healthcare law, it slapped medical device companies in the country with a 2.3 percent tax; but in an obvious election-year ploy, Donnelly is now attempting to walk back his support of ObamaCare.

Indiana’s medical device industry is the fifth largest in the United States and as George Will noted recently, Cook Medical based in Bloomington, Indiana is not planning to open a U.S. factory a year. Zimmer, also based in Indiana, is laying off 450 and taking a $50 million charge against earnings.

Medical device companies employ more than 400,000 Americans and this burdensome tax could eliminate 10 percent of the jobs in the industry, while encouraging these companies to move their plants overseas.   

As The Associated Press Reports:

The tax, which takes effect next January, applies to everything from replacement joints to imaging equipment but exempts consumer products like eyeglasses and bandages. … U.S. medical device makers employ more than 400,000 people. The industry’s largest trade group, AdvaMed, cites a study it commissioned that concluded the new tax could cost 43,000 of those jobs — about 10 percent — while doubling companies’ tax bills and encouraging them to move plants overseas.  (Alan Fram, GOP plays offense in medical device tax fight, Associated Press, 06/05/12)

“The fact remains that when Nancy Pelosi and Barack Obama needed Joe Donnelly – he was there for them supporting ObamaCare ,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover.  “No amount of election-year backtracking will make Hoosiers believe that somehow Joe Donnelly is now some kind of moderate when he’s spent the last three voting for the Pelosi-Obama agenda.”   

BACKGROUND …

“Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Said An Indianapolis Star Headline. (Maureen Groppe, “Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/10)

“Indiana Rep. Joe Donnelly’s Decision Sunday To Back A Health-Care Overhaul Package Helped Give Democrats The Votes Needed To Pass The Bill. The outcome became assured after a group of anti-abortion Democrats that included Donnelly announced Sunday afternoon that they had reached an agreement with the White House over abortion coverage.” (Maureen Groppe, “Donnelly’s Support Gives Democrats A Key Vote,” Indianapolis Star, 3/22/10)

The post If Only Joe Donnelly Had Stood Up To Nancy Pelosi & Barack Obama When He Had The Opportunity appeared first on NRSC - National Republican Senatorial Committee.

When liberal Democrat Joe Donnelly voted for Barack Obama’s $1.76 trillion healthcare law, it hit medical device companies across the country with a 2.3 percent tax and today Ohio’s Dublin’s Cardinal Health – which is the largest medical device company in the country – has announced they might restructure their company due to this job-killing tax.

Cardinal Health joins other Indiana health care providers who are being forced into restructuring, cutting jobs or are no longer providing individual insurance coverage.

Indiana’s medical device industry is the fifth largest in the United States and, as George Will noted this weekend, Cook Medical based in Bloomington, Indiana, is not planning to open a U.S. factory a year.  Zimmer, also based in Indiana, is laying off 450 and taking a $50 million charge against earnings.

Today the Columbus Dispatch reports:

Medical-device manufacturers and their advocates want to eliminate a 2.3 percent excise tax included in the federal health-care overhaul.  Industry officials say the tax, which takes effect in January, would cost manufacturers about $20 billion during the next decade. The medical-device industry recorded about $136 billion in revenue in 2008. … Those who want the health-care law repealed by Congress said the tax could stunt medical innovation by leaving less money for research and development. … The tax would affect Dublin-based Cardinal Health’s $1 billion medical-kit business, said Michael Lynch, executive vice president. Cardinal’s earnings as a percentage of sales are in the low single digits, so the excise tax could cause the company to reconsider competing in certain business segments subject to the tax, he said.  Cardinal Health employs about 4,400 people in Ohio. (Ben Sutherly, Medical-device makers fight tax, Columbus Dispatch, 05/15/12)

“Joe Donnelly owes the people of Indiana an explanation as to why he would support this massive government takeover of health care which is now costing hardworking Hoosiers their jobs,” said National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) spokesman Lance Trover. “The people of Indiana deserve a senator who will stand up for their priorities and not simply rubber-stamp the Barack Obama agenda, as Joe Donnelly has done the past three years.”

BACKGROUND …

Donnelly’s Health Care Bill Is Hurting Businesses In Indiana

“Exodus” Of Insurance Companies Will Likely Result In “Fewer Choices And Higher Costs For Consumers.” “However, consumer advocates say the exodus of Aetna and other companies likely will result in fewer choices and higher costs for consumers under health insurance exchanges to be established in 2013 under the federal health care overhaul.” (“Aetna Latest Out Of Ind. Individual Market,” The Associated Press, 8/3/11)

Navistar International Corp. Has Decided To Relocate And Shut Down Its Fort Wayne Operations, Which Employs 1,400 People. “Navistar International Corp. is relocating, but that’s not a signal a slew of ‘For Sale’ signs will sprout across Fort Wayne, housing officials say. The maker of commercial and military trucks confirmed Wednesday it will cut ties to northeast Indiana by announcing it will consolidate some operations in Lisle, Ill., and the suburban Chicago area. The company’s Fort Wayne workforce includes 1,400, many of them engineers.” (Paul Wyche, “Realtors Doubt ‘Mass Exodus’ To Illinois,” The Journal Gazette, 9/9/10)

Aetna And Cigna Corp. Have Recently Withdrawn From The Individual Health Insurance Market In Indiana. “Hartford-based Aetna Inc. and Philadelphia-based Cigna Corp., which are the third- and fifth-largest health insurers respectively, have announced their departure from Indiana’s individual health insurance market.” (J.K. Wall, “Five Individual Insurers Leaving Indiana,” Indianapolis Business Journal, 8/8/11)

The Exit Of These Insurance Companies In Indiana Leaves Over 20,000 Hoosiers Without Health Care Coverage. “In addition, Illinois-based Pekin Insurance, Michigan-based American Community Mutual Insurance Co. and New York-based Guardian Life Insurance Co. of America also have decided to leave the individual market. The five companies covered more than 20,000 Hoosiers, or about 10 percent of all those who have individual health insurance.” (J.K. Wall, “Five Individual Insurers Leaving Indiana,” Indianapolis Business Journal, 8/8/11)

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