Tobacco is a tough issue for politicians looking for votes in Kentucky.
Taking a position that is neutral or friendly to the tobacco industry can leave a candidate vulnerable to attack as someone indifferent to the health problems caused by smoking. But a position that opposes tobacco in any way can be attacked as unfriendly to 45,000 family farms and to rural communities dependent on the income from raising tobacco. Democratic presidential candidate Al Gore has been more aggressive in his criticism of the tobacco industry than Republican candidate George W. Bush. He also has been part of an administration that has made an attempt to regulate tobacco as a drug and has filed suit against cigarette companies. His stand and the administration's actions have not helped Gore among voters in Kentucky who depend on tobacco.