Twisting Arms to Make Bad Knees

Press Release

Congressman Rothman's arrogance took the spotlight today as his explanation for accepting campaign contributions in exchange for twisting arms at the FDA, revealed his total disregard, again, for the safety and well being of the people. The article in the New York Times yesterday regarding the Menaflex Scandal shows why Washington is in such a mess. Rothman should be ashamed for hiding behind the lame excuse of "the good of the people" as a cover for lining his campaign coffers, said Susan Jester, Campaign Manager.

The New York Times articles reveals that Rothman contributors, ReGen, had a specific medical implant product, Menaflex that had been denied approval by the FDA scientists for various reasons. Congressman Rothman apparently got a quick medical degree and decided, along with New Jersey colleagues Lautenberg, Pallone, and Menendez, that because the devise had been approved in Europe, another favorite role model of Rothman's, that the FDA should reconsider their decision. There were a few hefty campaign contributions from the ReGen executives to Rothman and the others before the arm twisting began. They all conveniently side stepped talking with the scientists at the FDA, and went straight to "lobbying" a POLITICAL staffer at the FDA. "That sounds like endangering people and patients for personal gain to me", said Michael Agosta, Republican candidate for District 9.

Rothman's statement in today's Record that "This product could have helped saved people pain, recovery time and health care costs" begs the question; Congressman Rothman, from which University did you receive a medical degree? Why did the scientists at the FDA who originally studied this product say otherwise? Why did you circumvent the process and arm twist an FDA POLITICAL staffer to approve the product. Was it because he once again "knew what was best for the people? "Steve Rothman has been in Washington too long and he has forgotten who he is down there to represent, said Agosta. "He crammed Obama Care down our throats and now he circumventing doctors and scientists at the FDA to take care of his campaign contributors. The arrogance, bullying and abuse of power needs to stop with 14 year incumbent Steve Rothman. The people of District 9 deserve a common sense guy and they deserve a Representative that will fight for them. If they send me to Washington, I won't let them down", said Agosta.

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