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June 12, 2008
Tobacco donations controversy
The Star has run stories about campaign donations by Altria (Philip Morris to the rest of us) to local campaigns, mentioning some that went to Tony Strickland, candidate for the 19th State Senate district. His opponent, Hanna-Beth Jackson, proclaimed she isn't taking any tobacco money. Perhaps not knowingly, but nowadays it's pretty hard to segregate all donations from where they eventually may filter down to.
Comments
You should do a cartoon about the Tony Strickland fundraiser that resulted in a staff member being suspended for pushing people.
http://www.venturacountystar.com/news/2008/jun/20/strickland-aide-put-on-leave-after-fracas-at/
Posted by: Fan at June 22, 2008 12:06 AMIt was poor behavior by a hot-head aide, but the story is a bit obscure and disputed -- it doesn't seem to particularly suggest very cartoonable material.
Posted by: Steve Greenberg at June 23, 2008 9:30 AM
The Ventura County Republican Central Committee solicited $50,000 in direct contributions from Altria for Strickland. He has received another $85,000 in direct contributions from tobacco over his legislative career.
He then voted against two bills which would make it harder for minors to buy cigarettes.
In contrast, Hannah-Beth Jackson has received no direct contributions for tobacco and won't accept them. You can count on her to always look out for the health of her constituents.
Posted by: Marie at June 15, 2008 11:25 PM