FDA Redux

Earlier today, I speculated about how word of FDA chief Andrew von Eschenbach’s request for $275 million broke. I heard back from FDA: a spokeswoman there said they did not release the letter Eschenbach sent to Rep. Arlen Specter (R-Penn.) asking for the cash. A spokeswoman for Sen. Specter’s office declined to comment on the record.

However the news leaked, the gambit has appearently paid off. Von eschenbach didn’t have to go against the President’s buget wishes in a Congressional hearing and is now getting desperately needed money for his hollowed-out agency.