Bryce Calls On Opponent To Reject Big Pharma Dollars

RACINE, WI — With a state record 883 opioid overdose deaths in Wisconsin in 2017, one candidate for Wisconsin's First Congressional District has announced he's not accepting any corporate PAC dollars during the campaign.

Democratic candidate Randy Bryce said he will not accept any funding from pharmaceutical companies that he says are helping to contribute to the state's opioid epidemic through the creation of opioid-based painkillers.

“The opioid epidemic is ripping Wisconsin families apart and costing billions of dollars, while profits soar for the companies that make and distribute the drugs that are flooding our communities," Bryce said in a prepared statement. "Unlike Paul Ryan, who received $175,000 in campaign donations from the pharmaceutical industry this year, more than any other member of Congress, I will not take a penny from the big pharmaceutical corporations that fund and fuel the opioid epidemic. I challenge Ryan's chosen replacement, Bryan Steil to do the same. Wisconsin families and communities deserve a leader who will put their interests first."

The following candidates have filed nomination papers in Wisconsin's First Congressional District race:

Democratic
Randy Bryce
Cathy Myers

Republican
Paul Nehlen
Jeremy Ryan
Nick Polce
Kevin Steen
Bryan Steil
Jeff Wamboldt

Independent
Ken Yorgan

Not Running
Paul Ryan - i

Rep. Paul Ryan (R-Janesville) announced that he is no longer running for the seat.

Patch has reached out to the Steil campaign.

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