[Fortune] In 1995, the former House speaker was caught passing out checks from tobacco lobbyists to his fellow congressmen--something he later said he regretted. And when Boehner resigned late last year, OpenSecrets data showed he took more money from the tobacco industry than any other lawmaker during his 26 years in Congress. Not to mention Boehner smokes so much that when he left the Capitol, his office was fumigated to get rid of the smell, according to CNN Money.
So it’s no surprise that Boehner now sits on the board of Reynolds American RAI -0.63% , the second biggest tobacco company in the country. He will serve on the corporate governance, nominating and sustainability committee, likely helping his colleagues shape how Washington regulates the struggling U.S. tobacco sector, CNN reports.
More at link including a picture of the former Speaker with a 'grette in his mouth. Sorry to any of you who may be smokers, but at my age I've seen so many people get sick and die from cigarettes that I can't help it. I understand that if you get addicted at a young age it's damn near impossible to quit. But for people who produce and market addictive carcinogens I believe a special place in hell is reserved. |