State tobacco lobbyists and organizations in the United States: Crossed lines

Abstract

Objectives. This research took a quantitative look at state-level tobacco lobbying in the United States. Methods. Publicly available lobbying data were collected from all states during 1994. Data were compiled on tobacco industry lobbyists, their tobacco employers, health lobbyists, and factors associated with such lobbying. Results. In 1994, 450 tobacco industry lobbyists lobbied at a state level. Most lobbying was on behalf of four organizations: Philip Morris (34%), the Tobacco Institute (21%) RJ Reynolds (17%), and the Smokeless Tobacco Council (15%). Approximately one half of all tobacco lobbyists also lobbied for a health-related organization (e.g., state medical association, hospital, physician association). Conclusions. All US states have tobacco lobbyists. Many health organizations knowingly or unknowingly employ lobbyists who also lobby for the tobacco industry.