U.S. Rep. Brad Miller, a Raleigh Democrat, has a huge money advantage over his Republican challenger Bill Randall, according to the latest campaign finance reports filed with the Federal Election Commission.
Miller had $441,393 in his campaign kitty as of Sept. 30, compared to $23,084 for Randall. Randall also reported $43,822 in campaign debts, while Miller reported $14,007 in campaign debts.
Overall, Miller has reported raising $805,072 for his campaign, while Randall reported raising $165,548 for his campaign, including money he raised in his hard-fought primary. Randall was a tea party candidate, but there is little evidence that he has received any help from the national tea party, which apparently does not see the 13th House District as a winnable target.
Miller has benefited from incumbency, receiving nearly half of his money, $388,700, from political action committees.
Pharmaceutical money
North Carolina is sharing in nationwide Medicaid settlements with four drug companies and a nursing home pharmacy provider over alleged improper promotional activities, kickbacks or improper attempts to sway doctors to prescribe a drug.
Most of the $17.5 million that's the state's share of the settlements will go to the federal government, which pays about 70 percent of the state's Medicaid costs. The public schools will get a share of two of the five settlements.
The largest settlement is with AstraZeneca to settle claims that it allegedly engaged in an off-label marketing campaign for a drug that treats schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. N.C. Medicaid will receive $2.4 million in the settlement, and the public schools receive $2.35 million.
Omnicare, which provides pharmaceutical services to long-term care facilities, settled false-claim allegations arising from its dealings with various nursing home chains and drug manufacturers. N.C. Medicaid's share is $839,058.
Alpharma allegedly provided doctors with training programs and research grants and made false claims about the drug Kadian to persuade them to prescribe it. N.C. Medicaid's share is $105,454, and the schools get $105,837.
IVAX Pharmaceuticals allegedly violated kickback laws. N.C. Medicaid's share is $137,631.
Novartis allegedly encouraged off-label prescribing of a drug that treats lung infections. N.C. Medicaid's share of the settlement is $30,360.
By staff writers Rob Christensen and Lynn Bonner
