Tobacco firms Lorillard Tobacco and Liggett Group have tentatively reached an $8 million deal settling punitive-damage awards now pending against them in federal court in New York. If agreed, the settlement could insulate the companies from having to pay any punitive-damage awards now pending against them in other courts.

Meanwhile, The European Union has filed a lawsuit against Philip Morris and rival cigarette maker R.J. Reynolds, accusing them of smuggling tobacco into Europe. The claim, filed in a U.S. court, says that the firms broke the U.S. Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organization Act. Today, a look at the power of tobacco in the elections with Dr. David Kessler, who crusaded against the industry as chair of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Guest:

• Dr. David Kessler, former FDA Commissioner and head of the Yale School of Public Health.

Related link:

• Campaign for Tobacco Free Kids