Rick Karlin, January 18, 2008, TimesUnion

ALBANY -- Amid talk of a tax hike on cigarettes, big tobacco is once again flexing its financial muscle in the state Legislature, according to the latest filings with the state Board of Elections.

Altria Group, which owns Philip Morris, maker of cigarette brands such as Marlboro, Benson & Hedges and Basic, gave more than $100,000 to the Republican and Democratic parties in recent weeks.

Much of the money went to the Republican and Democratic Senate campaign committees' housekeeping, or soft money, accounts, including $35,000 to the GOP, which holds the majority, and $30,000 to the Democrats.

The contributions come as the Spitzer administration is considering raising the state's $1.50-per-pack excise tax on cigarettes. Budget experts have noted New Jersey charges $2.57, and groups like the American Cancer Society want a $3 charge.

Additionally, several counties, including Albany, Rockland, Tompkins and Onondaga, have over the past few years discussed raising from 18 to 19 the minimum age at which tobacco can be purchased. Suffolk County already has such a law, said American Cancer Society of New York spokeswoman Jennifer Cucurullo.

Altria gave $10,000 to the Onondaga County Republicans as lawmakers there are revisiting a so-called Tobacco 19 bill that passed in 2006 but was vetoed by then-County Executive Nicholas Pirro. The company also gave $10,000 to the Erie County Republicans.

Lawmakers contend that contributions don't influence their votes.

Altria spokeswoman Dawn Schneider said her firm gives money for civic, rather than business purposes.

"We have a long-standing commitment and involvement in the political process, in a bipartisan fashion, on behalf of our shareholders," Schneider said.

Others disagree.

"A state tobacco tax increase is one of our highest priorities, and the tobacco industry obviously smells it coming," said Peter Slocum, vice president for advocacy with the Cancer Society.

Kevin O'Flaherty, director of advocacy in the Northeast Region for the Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids, believes cigarette makers are more worried about a steeper excise tax than a higher purchase age.

"With a $4 billion budget deficit and talk about a significant increase in the tobacco tax, that's an amount they can't market their way out of," he said.

There are no limits on donations to so-called housekeeping accounts. The money is not supposed to be spent on specific candidates, but critics say the state's laws are so loose the funds can benefit individual politicians.

Rick Karlin can be reached at 454-5758 or by e-mail at This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it

Political contributions

Here's a look at some of the latest political contributions by Altria, the parent company of cigarette producer Philip Morris, or its affiliates.

Friends of Assemblyman Tedisco: $500Conservative Party of NYS: $10,000

Erie County Republican Committee: $10,000

NYS Senate Republican Campaign Committee: $25,000O

Onondaga County Republican Committee: $10,000

Monroe County Democratic Committee: $9,500

New York State Republican Committee: $10,000

Democratic Senate Campaign Committee: $30,000