Pfizer bolsters ties to Senate Dems

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has brought on a former senior aide to Senate Budget Committee Chairwoman Patty Murray (D-Wash.).

Paula Burg is joining the drug company’s Washington office as a senior director for federal government relations. Burg was a senior policy adviser to Murray for healthcare and entitlements.

Burg also has experience in the House, having been an appropriations and healthcare aide for former Reps. Brian Baird (D-Wash.) and Karen Thurman (D-Fla.).

Pfizer is one of K Street’s biggest spenders.

The pharmaceutical company spent almost $8.9 million on lobbying last year, according to lobbying disclosure records. That was a drop from the $10.2 million the company spent in 2012.