In Final Ddays, Tobacco Companies up Spending in Tax Fight

Source from:  kmtr.com PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) 11/02/2007

Big tobacco has dumped another $1.2 million into their campaign against a proposed cigarette tax increase. There are just six days left until Oregonians vote on the proposal, which would fund health care increases for children. Spending on the measure has shattered state records. Together, Virginia-based Philip Morris and North Carolina-based R.J. Reynolds have contributed nearly $12 million to the campaign. Most of that money has been spent on television and radio advertising. Through October 29th, only 21% of voters statewide had turned in their ballot. Ballot returns were lowest in the state's most populous counties, Multnomah, Clackamas and Washington, and highest in more rural areas, like Wheeler and Harney Counties. Enditem