Usual Opponents Join Sides in Debate Over Tobacco Legislation
St. Louis Post-Dispatch (Wednesday, August 22, 2001)
Author: Deirdre Shesgreen / Post-Dispatch Washingtion bureau
A new battle in the war on smoking has opened in Congress, and the looming fight has already taken some unpredictable turns.

For starters, two Missouri lawmakers from opposite ends of the political spectrum have both signed on to legislation favored by a tobacco industry giant, Philip Morris Cos. Inc.

And in a sharp reversal of its past position, Philip Morris is actively encouraging lawmakers to support a bill that would give the federal government new authority to regulate cigarettes.