Consumer Watchdog
Providing an effective voice for American consumers in an era when special interests dominate public discourse, government and politics. Non-partisan.
Articles by Consumer Watchdog
Consumer Group Calls on Insurance Executive to Reveal Salary
Exec's Personal Stake in Medical Malpractice Debate Concealed
Jan 14, 2003
Privacy
Duque’s ouster tossed;
Appeals court backs ex-member of PUCThe San Francisco Chronicle In a ruling made public Monday, the court found that when Henry Duque…
Jan 14, 2003
Privacy
Court Reverses Order Ousting Henry Duque From PUC for Conflict
Metropolitan News-Enterprise A court order stripping California Public Utilities Commission member Henry Duque of his post for owning stock in a company…
Jan 14, 2003
Insurance
Health Casts
Is the time right in California to institute a prior approval system for health premium increases?Los Angeles Business Journal The Foundation for…
Jan 13, 2003
Privacy
Court finds in favor of former utilities commission member
Sacramento Bee A judge should not have removed Henry Duque from the California Public Utilities Commission for an alleged violation of conflict-of-interest…
Jan 13, 2003
In The News
Contracts hang up some cell-phone users;
Those trying to cancel pacts early find it's difficult, unless they pay a fee.The Orange County Register Richard Rutkowski's wife, Sharon, died…
Jan 13, 2003
Privacy
Appeals court: Duque should never have been axed from PUC
Associated Press State & Local Wires The 1st District Court of Appeal, in overturning a lower court judge, said Duque broke no…
Jan 13, 2003
Healthcare
THE BAD DOCTOR
Bill Frist's long record of corporate vicesLA Weekly While TV gushed last week over the Republicans' new Senate majority leader, Bill Frist,…
Jan 10, 2003
Insurance
Johnston denies conflict
The Stockton Record State Sen.-turned-lobbyist Patrick Johnston says his clients gained nothing from his unpaid role helping Gov. Gray Davis hammer out…
Jan 10, 2003
Privacy
Campaign Contribution Limits Hiked;
Critics say the state panel vote was hasty, coming beforethe original caps could be fully applied.The Los Angeles Times Even before California's…
Jan 10, 2003$400 Mil Tax Break For Corporate Clients of Governor’s Advisor
Manufacturers Get Only Business Tax Break Detailed in State of the State Governor Davis announced a $420 million tax break last night…
Jan 9, 2003State HMOs Increase Consumer Premiums Up to 10-Times the Actual Cost of Care
Governor Davis Has Been MIA on Controlling Health Care Costs; Today's State of the State Address Is An Important Test of Leadership…
Jan 8, 2003State Auditor Should Investigate State of the State
Consumer Group Calls for Audit of Governor's Use of Private Lobbyists to Write Public Policy Gov. Davis has given power to craft…
Jan 8, 2003FTCR’s Letter to Senator Burton RE: Gov. Davis Using Lobbyists As Policy Advisors
Gov. Davis has given power to craft his current budget proposal to Phil Isenberg and Patrick Johnston, two lobbyists who represent several…
Jan 8, 2003FTCR’s Letter to Gov. Davis RE: Davis’ Use of Lobbyists As Policy Advisors
Phil Isenberg and Patrick Johnston, two lobbyists who represent several of the most influential special interests in California, should be barred immediately…
Jan 8, 2003
Healthcare
Malpractice speaker left out drug record
Charleston Gazette An Elkins doctor who testified to Congress last summer about his high medical malpractice rates didn't mention his conviction for…
Jan 8, 2003