This effort, spearheaded by Federalist Society Co-chair Leonard Leo, is aimed at derailing Kennedy's nomination, raising questions about the motives and loyalties of those involved.

The opposition from within
Leonard Leo, a prominent conservative legal activist known for his role in securing the confirmations of Supreme Court Justices Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanaugh, is now at the forefront of an anti-Kennedy campaign. Leo's public relations firm, CRC Advisors, is working in tandem with Advancing American Freedom (AAF), a conservative advocacy group founded by former Vice President Mike Pence, to convince Republican senators to block Kennedy's nomination.

AAF is running a $250,000 digital ad campaign opposing Kennedy, citing his views on vaccines, his past struggles with addiction and his stances on drug legalization and abortion rights. The campaign includes a mobile billboard that will drive around the Capitol complex and appear at the March for Life in Washington, a significant event for pro-life advocates.

The historical context: A shift in conservative priorities
The opposition to Kennedy's nomination is particularly noteworthy given the historical context. Kennedy, an environmental lawyer and vaccine safety activist, has long been a vocal critic of the pharmaceutical industry and the potential harms associated with vaccines. His views have gained broader acceptance, especially since the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccines in 2021. Kennedy's nomination reflects a shift in the conservative movement, where health and personal freedom have become increasingly important issues.

However, the conservative establishment, particularly those with ties to Big Pharma, seems reluctant to embrace this shift. Mike Pence, who has received significant donations from pharmaceutical executives, and Leonard Leo, whose firm has worked for pharmaceutical giants like Eli Lilly, are both deeply entrenched in the traditional conservative power structure. Their efforts to block Kennedy's nomination suggest a deep-seated loyalty to the pharmaceutical industry and a resistance to the changing priorities of the conservative base.

The role of Big Pharma
The involvement of Big Pharma in this effort is particularly troubling. In August 2023, David Ricks, the CEO of Eli Lilly, made a significant early donation to Pence's PAC, one of the first major contributions from a pharmaceutical executive in the 2024 election cycle. Ricks also donated $25,000 to a special political action committee called Committed to America, which supports Pence. These contributions highlight the financial ties between conservative leaders and the pharmaceutical industry, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest.