Tobacco Industry Working Hard To Maintain Political Influence

WASHINGTON (AllPolitics, April 18) -- Faced with a string of lawsuits, the U.S. tobacco industry is working hard to maintain its political influence, according to Mother Jones magazine.

In its May-June issue, Mother Jones says the industry has abandoned a practice of working with both Republicans and Democrats, in favor of a concerted effort to work with congressional Republicans. The industry major goal is to elect Sen. Robert Dole (R-Jan.) this fall.

Over his career, Dole has accepted more than $330,000 from tobacco companies and his advisors include people with ties to the tobacco industry, the magazine says.

The Dole campaign, however, dismisses the Mother Jones coverage as a stretch. "The Mother Jones story suggests some sort of giant tobacco conspiracy based on the thin allegation that out of a primary election campaign staff of over 200 and a volunteer team of hundreds more, nine Dole supporters reportedly at some time had business dealings with tobacco interests of some description. That just doesn't add up," said Dole campaign press secretary Nelson Warfield in a written statement.

Mother Jones said the industry also is trying to enlist state governors in its fight against federal regulation and using bare-knuckle tactics to fend off potential lawsuits from states attempting to recover the costs of tobacco-related health care.

And Philip Morris plans to rent the San Diego Museum of Art for a reception for GOP officials during the Republican convention in August.

Related Sites:

AllPolitics home page

Tobacco Industry Working Hard To Maintain Political Influence

Related Stories:

Related Sites: