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The American Prospect looks at a conflict-of-interest case involving Representative Bill Thomas, "the California Republican who currently chairs the House Ways and Means Committee" and the giant pharmaceutical company Ely Lilly. The story examines the circumstances at which Thomas wrote his bill on Medicare and a proposed prescription-drug benefit, which favor the big pharmaceutical companies. The major findings are that Ely Lilly was Thomas' number-one contributor in the last elections, and that the politician has been involved in a romantic relationship with Deborah Steelman, the new vice president for corporate affairs for Ely Lilly and former best-connected health care lobbyist. "How the House Republicans, Senate Democrats and President Bush handle the issue could easily sway the outcome of the 2002 elections," the analysis finds.

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