Nixon Denies Politics Played Role in Choosing Tobacco Lawyer

Attorney General Jay Nixon denies politics had anything to do with his appointment of lawyer Tom Strong of Springfield to represent the state in his lawsuit against Big Tobacco. Allegations of political entanglement rose anew after contributions by lawyers involved in the lawsuit were disclosed. Lawyers from five firms representing Missouri in the tobacco lawsuit have given more than half a million dollars to political campaigns the past eight years. Nearly all the money went to Democrats. Strong has given $100,000. Nixon says political connections did NOT get Strong the job. Nixon has received nearly $95,000 from the lawyers. Governor Carnahan has received $92,000 and the state Democratic committee has received $90,000.