Mr. Daschle's Tax Trouble

Monrovia

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As reported in the Feb. 1 front-page article "Daschle Delayed Revealing Tax Glitch," former senator Thomas A. Daschle spoke at our March 2008 conference for executives in medical products distribution.

This article attempted to create news where none exists. The insinuation that a speakers fee would create in us any expectation of preferential treatment was flat wrong. HIDA hires speakers each year to speak about health-care policy. That was the case with Mr. Daschle.

The letter regarding our opposition to competitive bidding (which we believe will actually reduce competition), would have been sent to any nominee to be health and human services secretary. We do not, have not and will not use any type of improper mechanism to advocate on behalf of our members.

MATTHEW ROWAN

President and CEO

Health Industry Distributors Association

Alexandria