Big Tobacco Drops Big Donation on House Republicans
Cigarette Maker Reynolds America Donates $100,000 to House Republicans
With its finances crumbling, Promote Oregon Leadership PAC, the political arm of Oregon House Republicans, has accepted a $100,000 contribution from tobacco giant Reynolds America, according to finance reports filed with the Secretary of State.
In what could be considered a payback to House Republicans for blocking legislation in 2007 that would have increased the price of cigarettes to pay for health care insurance for children, cigarette maker Reynolds America is bailing out House Republicans who are being outworked and dramatically outspent by Oregon House Democrats.
“Last session, House Democrats passed legislation to ban smoking in bars and restaurants. And we asked voters to raise the price of cigarettes to pay for health insurance for children. That issue went to the ballot only because House Republicans refused to increase tobacco prices during the session. Now, House Republicans are getting paid back for doing the bidding of big tobacco with this $100,000 contribution,” said Michele Rossolo, executive director of Future PAC, the House Democrats political arm. “Future PAC has refused to accept any donations from Reynolds or any other tobacco company.”
House Democrats have raised over $1.8 million compared to $900,000 for the House Republicans. House Majority Leader Dave Hunt said the financial disparity was due to the work House Democrats did in 2007 and 2008 legislative sessions.
“There was a consensus across the state that last session was one of the most productive, efficient session in decades,” said Hunt (D-Clackamas). “We turned the ship of state around and are ready to lead Oregon’s recovery from the economic failures of the Bush Administration and Republicans.”
According to Secretary of State reports, the Republican PAC has a balance of only $145,220. That figure includes the $100,000 contribution and another $55,000 in accounts receivables.
Future PAC, the House Democrats have $871,558 in the bank for the final week of the campaign.
“Just as we were in the last legislative session, we’ve been very careful how we spend and very targeted in our approach,” said Hunt. “And just like they did when they controlled the House, Republicans are spending money faster than it comes in the door. Only this time they are using big tobacco companies to bail them out of the financial mess they created.”
Posted on October 28, 2008
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