What Would Jesus Smoke?

No doubt there are legitimate arguments against funding children's health insurance by raising taxes on harmful products like tobacco.

But this isn't one of them. (From CQ, sub. req'd):

Kentucky Republican Ron Lewis tried his best to protect his tobacco state constituents with an amendment to strip out the tobacco exise tax that would fund much of the legislation, pleading with Democrats not to hurt his district’s industry.

“I don’t know how you can find another way to fund this, but I’m sure you can be creative and find another way,” Lewis said.

His amendment was defeated 16-23, despite his invocation of the Lord, whom in an extended analogy drawing on the Book of Genesis he said would not have taxed tobacco.

Will Rep. Lewis invoke the Lord when voting against covering more kids with health insurance? Stay tuned!

Views expressed on this page are those of the authors and not necessarily those of Campaign for America's Future or Institute for America's Future