A Handful of Tobacco Companies Contribute $193,200

Publication Date: February 2007

Publisher: Democracy Reform Oregon

Author(s): Sarah Wetherson

Research Area: Politics

Type: News release

Coverage: Oregon

Abstract:

As the legislature fights over raising tobacco taxes to fund health care for children, good government watchdogs question whether more than half a million in political cash may influence the outcome. "You have to wonder how much of the arguing about taxing cigarettes to pay for the Healthy Kids Initiative is driven by the spending of just five tobacco companies," said Sarah Wetherson, research and outreach associate, Money in Politics Research Action Project.

"Unfortunately, our current system of campaign finance ensures that tobacco companies and others may continue to have undue influence over the process," she continued.