ANR UPDATE, 27(3), Fall 2008

It's Election Season: Use Your Voice!

Big Tobacco and its allies are deadly serious about winning political access on BOTH sides of the aisle this November. They are not only targeting Presidential and Congressional candidates, but your Statehouse and City Hall too. Among the top recipients of tobacco campaign contributions are both presidential candidates and a mix of other Democrats and Republicans (see chart). For the record, Obama has stated strong support for smokefree air and protecting local/state control, while McCain has not.

Smokefree supporters are the "majority" in every state (even in tobacco-growing states like Kentucky and North Carolina); yet our political supporters too often remain in the minority. Tobacco companies and their allies make sure candidates on both sides hear their concerns and then ply them with hefty campaign contributions. But candidates need your vote and will listen when you speak up for smokefree air.

Help put smokefree supporters in office and kick out Tobacco's Friends.

Before the election:

Register to vote and encourage other smokefree supporters to do the same.

Ask candidates where they stand on smokefree air, local control, accepting contributions from Big Tobacco and meeting with tobacco lobbyists. Consider volunteering for, donating to, or even hosting a house party for supportive candidates.

On Election Day: Vote!

After the election:

Hold candidates accountable for their smokefree campaign promises. Once they're in office, Big Tobacco will try to change their minds, so follow up is key.

For information on tobacco contributions, visit the Center for Responsive Politics at www.crp.org or contact ANR.

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