Members of the Maine Coalition on Smoking OR Health have been examining the records of candidates for office in the November elections. We have found that several leading gubernatorial and congressional candidates have already received campaign contributions from persons associated with the tobacco industry.

These contributions come from an industry which seeks to seduce children into a lifelong addiction to its product — a product responsible for the premature deaths of nearly a half million Americans each year. Acceptance of contributions from this industry may seriusly compromise the independent judgment of political leaders who are responsible for legislation aimed at controlling tobacco.

We strongly urge candidates to reject contributions from the tobacco industry. We strongly urge voters to question candidates on whether they would accept or reject contributions from the tobacco industry. We will continue our surveillance of these contributions. David W. Briggs, Chairman Maine Coalition on Smoking OR Health Augusta