Big Tobacco Contributions Smash State Ballot Measure Fundraising Records

Publication Date: October 2007

Publisher: Democracy Reform Oregon

Author(s): Sarah Wetherson

Research Area: Agriculture, forestry and fishing; Politics

Type: News release

Coverage: Oregon

Abstract:

Tobacco companies have smashed previous contribution totals for ballot measure campaigns in Oregon, pouring over $9 million into campaigns to defeat a legislative referral of a children's health insurance program.

Three tobacco companies, Philip Morris USA, Inc., Reynolds American, and Altria Corporate Services, Inc., have contributed nearly all of the $9,115,917 raised by two political committees urging a "no" vote on measure 50. An estimated nine additional contributors are responsible for the $4650 not contributed by tobacco companies. (This estimate assumes that three contributors are responsible for the $150 in unitemized miscellaneous contributions of $100 or less.)