In response to the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids' public charge that Senator Enzi is a fraud who is apparently not sincere about his own proposal to reduce tobacco use, Senator Enzi criticized the Campaign for cutting a secret deal with Philip Morris that protects Big Tobacco profits at the expense of the public's health.
In addition, he has invited the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids to talk, become familiar with his position on tobacco issues, and work together to forge a tobacco policy proposal that will be effective in reducing tobacco use.
In his letter to the Campaign, Senator Enzi contrasted his open approach with what he intimates is a lack of honesty, forthrightness, and openness by the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids.
Enzi wrote: "You recently made some comments about my record and my position on various issues relating to tobacco. You claimed to know where I stand on these matters. A meeting between us would give me an opportunity to personally set the record straight and let you know where I stand on smoking and other related tobacco issues. I have put my name, and staked my reputation, on a proposal to get rid of tobacco once and for all, and I hope you will take that as seriously as I do."
"Let me be very clear, right from the start, on exactly what my position is. I stand for bringing innovative and new thinking to old and unsolved problems. I stand for helping current tobacco users quit their deadly habit, and making sure that others, particularly children and adolescents, do not start in the first place. I stand apart from the tobacco companies on these matters and I have never taken a dime in campaign contributions from the tobacco industry, and that is not going to change."
"Finally, in contrast to your organization, which cut a deal in the dead of night with the largest tobacco company in the country, I stand for an open debate and an honest and forthright discussion on these issues and the future of tobacco in the United States."
"I believe my plan has the potential to radically change how we tackle tobacco use in this country. But I also recognize that it is not perfect. I welcome your input and insight into improving it. I hope you will join me in working to eliminate the use of this deadly product. Please contact my office at your earliest convenience so that we can clear the air between us, and then get down to the vital task that is before us of truly saving lives."
This was courtesy of Dr. Michael Siegels' blog. Like I said there and said here, my guess is that Sen. Enzi's MO is to shine a light on the cockroaches in Tobacco Control and watch them scurry for cover. It will be interesting to see how they react.
To be continued...
This is hardly the smoking gun but it is interesting. Enzi’s 2nd biggest campaign cash contributor was in fact the Pharmaceutical industry. “Health Professionals” were #4. Nothing damning there per se. Pretty typical for a “conservative” Republican who opposes Universal Healthcare and is in favor of tort reform which benefits both pharma and doctors.
The top industries supporting Mike Enzi are:
1 Securities & Investment $155,761
2 Pharmaceuticals/Health Products $128,038
3 Insurance $114,822
4 Health Professionals $100,053
5 Commercial Banks $97,450
6 Oil & Gas $81,250
7 Accountants $80,011
8 Computers/Internet $65,504
9 Lobbyists $62,126
10 Mining $49,700
11 Retail Sales $47,500