Press Release
Statement on DNC’S Decision to Refuse Foreign Contributions
January 22, 1997
Statement by William D. Novelli, President, Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids
Washington, DC - The Democratic National Committee’s decision to not accept foreign contributions has, for the first time, placed a blanket prohibition on a specific source of funds. We think it’s high time the DNC ban donations from another group—tobacco companies. Last year Philip Morris, RJ Reynolds and other tobacco companies gave more money to politicians and their parties than any other industry in history. The influence these contributions buy has allowed cigarettes to remain the nation’s only consumer product not regulated for health and safety purposes. We applaud President Clinton’s stand against the tobacco industry. Now it’s time for his party to take an equally tough stance.