Exposing the Dark Money Influence in Missouri's Governor Race

In a shocking revelation, three state lawmakers have come forward to expose the alarming influence of out-of-state dark money in Missouri's gubernatorial race. According to the lawmakers, pharmaceutical companies are funding false attacks against Republican candidate Mike Kehoe, while funneling millions of dollars to support his opponent, Jay Ashcroft. This investigation uncovers the sinister web of political influence and the potential consequences for Missourians' access to affordable healthcare.

Uncovering the Pharmaceutical Industry's Agenda

The 340B Discount Drug Pricing Program Controversy

During the 2024 legislative session, Senator Justin Brown (R-Rolla) and Representative Tara Peters (R-Rolla) sponsored Senate Bill 751, which aimed to protect local contract pharmacies from the arbitrary limitations imposed by pharmaceutical companies through the federal 340B Discount Drug Pricing program. This program is a vital lifeline for rural hospitals and Federally Qualified Health Centers, providing discounted drugs to Missourians in need. Senate Floor Leader Cindy O'Laughlin (R-Shelbina) navigated the measure, ensuring its passage with overwhelming bipartisan support.However, the lawmakers now claim that the pharmaceutical companies are retaliating against this legislation by funding false attacks against Mike Kehoe, the Republican candidate for governor. They allege that these companies are doing so to benefit Jay Ashcroft, who has accepted over .5 million in campaign ads from the industry.

The Pharmaceutical Industry's Influence on the Governor's Race

The lawmakers assert that the pharmaceutical industry's involvement in the governor's race is not a coincidence. They point to the fact that the federal dark money political action committee (PAC) "Stand For Us" is closely aligned with the interests of the global pharmaceutical industry, commonly referred to as "Big Pharma." This PAC has been responsible for producing several ads that spread misinformation about the 340B program, which the lawmakers say is a clear attempt to protect the industry's profits at the expense of Missourians' access to affordable healthcare.The timing of the PAC's actions is also telling. Shortly after the 340B program legislation was passed and set to take effect on August 28th, the drug makers doubled down on their efforts to undermine the program, funneling even more money into the campaign against Kehoe.

The Troubling Implications for Missouri Voters

The lawmakers are deeply concerned about the implications of this dark money influence on the governor's race. They argue that Jay Ashcroft's willingness to align himself with the pharmaceutical industry, even at the expense of rural Missourians' access to discounted, life-saving medications, is a betrayal of the public trust."Jay Ashcroft should be ashamed of himself for aligning with Big Pharma who push for more abortion drugs while opposing expanded discounted drugs for our constituents," said Senator Justin Brown. "We need a governor who can look beyond the lies of drug makers and recognize 340B is a vital program for rural Missouri. Missourians will reject failed candidates like Jay who are willing to throw senior citizens under the bus for .5 million in last-minute campaign cash."The lawmakers are urging Missouri voters to see through the pharmaceutical industry's deception and support a candidate who will prioritize the health and well-being of all Missourians, not just the profits of big corporations.