There may be no magic number - it could depend on which, if any, states refuse the deal. On Tuesday, Nebraska and Wisconsin got behind the deal announced a day earlier and worked out by representatives of eight states and the four biggest tobacco companies. Several other states have indicated they are leaning toward joining the settlement. This agreement is not a panacea, it's not a solution to all our problems, but it comes with ways to reduce smoking,'' said Indiana Attorney General Jeffrey Modisett. He favors the pact.
Critics say the industry's concessions on youth smoking and marketing curbs are too weak.
They say the deal improperly immunizes the industry against future claims, and that it unfairly pre-empts local governments from suing the industry. After hearing health advocates complain that the deal was riddled with loopholes, Maryland Attorney General Joseph Curran said he would press for a better settlement. He declined to elaborate. Maryland is one of a few states that are considered to have strong cases against the industry and may not sign the deal. Also in that group are Michigan and Massachusetts.