This may be a broad generalization, but mainly it holds up. The system of politics is run by money, it's a necessity. Candidates need to print literature, run advertisements, and get people to the polls. The purpose of a campaign is to influence the outcome of an election. These activities cost money.
Tobacco is a seductive interest group they provide access to people with money.
But shedding light on a group demands accuracy. Common Cause has alleged persons who lobby for firms who represent tobacco provide tobacco money. That is a bit of a stretch. It was a big controversy. Some of their others clients expressed their displeasure and Messerli is tobacco free as of 1998.