Sherrill’s Funding Raises Questions Amid Opioid Crisis Accusations
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Mikie Sherrill from New Jersey has accepted significant contributions from companies associated with the opioid epidemic, all while criticizing her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli, for his connections to the crisis. During a news conference, Sherrill called out Ciattarelli, accusing him of enabling access to harmful drugs through partnerships with drug company-supported training programs.
“Jack made millions while opioid companies profited immensely,” she remarked, referring to the severe impact of the crisis. However, her own campaign finances could complicate her stance. Records indicate that Sherrill’s campaign received $1,000 from the AmerisourceBergen Political Action Committee multiple times between 2018 and 2022.
Debate Highlights Concerns
In addition to AmerisourceBergen, Sherrill’s campaign took in at least $4,500 from Teva Pharmaceuticals and $1,000 from Endo Pharmaceuticals, as well as a notable $17,000 from Johnson & Johnson. An investigation revealed at least $25,500 in total contributions to Sherrill’s campaign from firms linked to the opioid crisis.
AmerisourceBergen has faced serious allegations, with the state of Washington’s Attorney General claiming the company neglected its duties and contributed to the opioid epidemic by failing to monitor suspicious orders. The firm is now known as Censora, and it, along with others, is working towards a settlement related to its role in this crisis.
Ciattarelli’s Response
In late 2022, the Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against AmerisourceBergen, alleging that the company prioritized profit over public safety. Other pharmaceutical companies that contributed to Sherrill also reached substantial settlements for their involvement in the opioid issues, with Teva agreeing to pay over $4 billion in settlements, while Johnson & Johnson settled for $5 billion.
Mikie Sherrill’s spokesperson dismissed the criticism as a failed attack from Ciattarelli, who allegedly misrepresented facts surrounding the opioid crisis. Sherrill’s efforts to combat the epidemic, including efforts to pass significant bipartisan legislation for treatment and recovery, were highlighted in her defense.
The campaign did not clarify whether they would return the funds received from pharmaceutical companies. Interestingly, Ciattarelli also received contributions linked to the opioid crisis, including $1,500 from Mallinckrodt and $500 from Johnson & Johnson, both of which faced legal challenges regarding their roles in the crisis.
Ciattarelli’s campaign, responding to Sherrill’s attacks, stated that her allegations are unfounded and pointed to her own financial ties to the pharmaceutical industry. Tensions seem to be escalating, as Ciattarelli plans to take legal action for what he considers defamatory remarks made by Sherrill during the debate.
As the gubernatorial race unfolds, both candidates are navigating a complex landscape rife with accusations, financial ties, and the pressing issues surrounding the opioid crisis. It’s clear that the debate over who has truly contributed to this epidemic is far from settled.
