Big Pharma Gives To Elmhurst State Rep's Campaign

ELMHURST, IL – The campaign for Elmhurst's state representative has received donations from the pharmaceutical industry, among special interests such as gambling and trial lawyers.

Last week, state Rep. Marti Deuter's political committee reported receiving $1,000 from Washington-based Pharmaceutical Research & Manufacturers of America, the main lobbying group for the industry.

Since July, the Elmhurst Democrat has accepted $3,500 from North Chicago-based AbbVie, a pharmaceutical company.

Last week, her campaign reported $1,500 from the Poarch Creek Indians Gaming Authority in Alabama.

In July, lobbyist John D'Alessandro and the Illinois Trial Lawyers PAC gave $500 and $1,000, respectively, to Deuter's campaign.

Most of her contributions came from unions, including $1,000 from the Illinois Federation of Teachers in September.

Many of Deuter's donors spread their contributions among members of the legislature. Traditionally, incumbents have the advantage over challengers in raising money from powerful interests.

In the last quarter, Deuter, a former longtime Elmhurst alderwoman, raised a total of $11,000.

Deuter did not return a message for comment Monday.

For years, Deuter's District 45 has been seen as an election battleground. But Deuter won with nearly 54 percent of the vote over Republican Dennis Reboletti in last November's election.

In the Trump era, suburbs across the United States have become more Democratic.

Deuter's seat is up in next November's general election.