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.