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Tobacco Lawsuit Questioned

May 1, 1997
By: Mary D. Jackson
State Capital Bureau

Several Missouri lawmakers are questioning the motive and timing behind Attorney General Jay Nixon's decision to join in a law suit against several leading tobacco companies. Mary Jackson has more from Jefferson City.

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After months of avoiding the issue, Attorney General Jay Nixon decided to join in a lawsuit against makers of cigarettes.

Nixon said he finally got the proof he needed.

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Contents: "If I thought we could win this case in court, we'd file it. With the new evidence we have I think we can win the case."

Nixon's overwhelming evidence is based on a leading tobacco company, Liggett, admitting nicotine is addictive and that children were deliberately targeted in ad campaigns.

Despite the proof, Assistant House Republican Minority Floor leader Don Lograsso critized Democrat Nixon for waiting on it.

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Contents: "Now, there's a gutsy attornal general for you. Somebody who has to know that he's gonna win before he files the case. That's ridiculous."

Lograsso also said Nixon's decision is just political gamesmanship:

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Contents: "I think it's a frontrunner to his attempt to run for United States senate against Kip Bonn. I think he's using this strictly for that purpose and no other reason."

Nixon said Lograsso is entitled to his opinion but wondered why Lograsso never asked him to file a lawsuit against the companies before.

But Senator Marvin Singleton, one of two physicians in the Missouri legislature, encouraged Nixon to join other states in the lawsuit a long time ago.

Republican Singleton said he didn't understand why Nixon waited to act now.

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Contents: "I don't understand his motivations for waiting so long. Like I said . . . now Missouri has become a follower.

Singleton said he hoped Missouri taxpayers don't lose out because of Nixon's delay since Missouri is not involved in the initial round of negotiations.

Democratic representative Mary Bland said Nixon's delay shouldn't be criticized to severaly because there are other crucial issues facing this state.

Actuality:
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Contents: "I believe that the tobacco industry is like any other industrial industry it . . . . . .product.

Nixon became the 24th Attorney General to file suit against the tobacco companies. From Jefferson City, I'm Mary Jackson.