Tobacco-Free Kids Files Election Complaint Against Big Tobacco

WASHINGTON--A complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) accuses five major tobacco companies of violating federal law by indicating they would pay for advertising to support the re-election bids of senators who voted against comprehensive tobacco legislation.

The complaint, filed by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, contends that shortly before a key vote on the McCain bill, Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky) told fellow Republicans that "if they voted to kill the tobacco bill, the major tobacco manufactures were promising to mount a television ad campaign to support those who voted against the bill." The complaint contends that this promise violates federal laws that forbid corporations from making contributions or expenditures in federal elections.