It could, in fact, do harm by stealing political momentum from the anti-smoking movement. The only real plus would be a modest increase in the price of cigarettes. This increase, projected at 35 to 40 cents a pack over five years, would deter some folks from lighting up. The settlement's advertising limits are mostly a sham or a convenient way for the cigarette makers to cut their costs. In terms of Kentucky's parochial interest, the settlement is as bad.
Tobacco farmers get only a promise of more negotiations with the cigarette makers.
If this deal reassures anyone, it's investors in cigarette companies, which is not a particularly strong selling point. The deal is disappointing. But even with all those weaknesses, it's hard to imagine Attorney General Ben Chandler rejecting it. And, honestly, it's hard to argue that he should reject it. By accepting the settlement, Kentucky gives up the right to sue the cigarette companies to recover smoking-related Medicaid costs.