Report: Lobbyists Help Write Rep. Lee Terry Speech

'The New York Times' is reporting that Nebraska Representative Lee Terry used part of a speech that was actually ghostwritten by lobbyists.

The newspaper analyzed speeches entered into the Congressional Record after learning lobbyists for the biotechnology company Genentech had sent statements to both Republicans and Democrats. The article goes on to say that 42 House members took the bait and used portions of the their statements, including Representative Terry.

The 'Times' reports:

"In nearly identical words, three Republicans — Representatives K. Michael Conaway of Texas, Lynn Jenkins of Kansas and Lee Terry of Nebraska — said they had criticized many provisions of the bill, and “rightfully so.” But, each said, “I do believe the sections relating to the creation of a market for biosimilar products is one area of the bill that strikes the appropriate balance in providing lower cost options.” Click on the link on the left to read the entire article.

Terry has been under fire for his purported ties to special interests. TV ads on the air right now in the Omaha metro area accuse him of being beholden to special interests when it comes to his opposition to the current health care reform bill and 'cap and trade' energy legislation. That opposition however has been consistent with that of other conservative Republicans.

State Democrats feel Terry is vulnerable in a district where he faced an unusually tight race in 2008 in a district that went for Barack Obama for President, earning him one of Nebraska's electoral votes.