Tobacco money is no longer the political taboo it once was, says a report by California Common Cause. The report claims tobacco contributions have been increasing, during a time when the industry is also enjoying big victories in the Legislature.
The report found tobacco interests have spent a total of $14 million in campaign contributions and lobbying expenses over the past five years. At the same time, California made big budget cuts to anti-smoking programs and was also the only major state to not increase cigarette taxes this year.
This post was last modified on 01/31/2009 5:34 pm