Letter to the Editor: Big Tobacco Has Hold on California Politicians

Dear Editor:

It is no wonder we are one of only three states that have not increased its tobacco tax in the 21st century. The hold tobacco companies have on politicians is appalling.

The best way to reduce the corrosive influence of tobacco companies is for candidates to accept the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network’s challenge to Snuff Tobacco Money out of California Politics by rejecting tobacco campaign funding.

To date, about 50 candidates have stepped forward to sign the pledge, but neither candidate for the 18th Senate District, Bob Hertzberg or Ricardo Benitez has accepted the challenge.

On Sept. 29, 2014, ACS CAN unveiled who has accepted the pledge and who has not. Go to www.notobaccomoney.org to track where dirty tobacco money is ending up.

Charlie Smith

Northridge

PHOTO Patch file graphic.

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