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The future of tobacco is still under discussion in court and on Capitol Hill, and the industry could still face significant changes. "The tobacco issue has not been resolved. That's the bottom line," said Scott Ballin, a former American Heart Association attorney who helps organize a coalition of farmers and health officials. About three-quarters of eligible quota holders and producers have already signed up for the $10 billion buyout. The registration period ends June 17 for this year's payments. Also in June, the Justice Department's monthslong civil racketeering trial against Big Tobacco is expected to wrap up. The government alleges cigarette makers conspired to mislead the public about the health risks of smoking. If U.S. District Judge Gladys Kessler finds the companies liable, they could face a wave of new lawsuits and more attention from lawmakers, said Richard A. Daynard, president of the Boston-based Tobacco Control Resource Center. "A finding against them is going to have both legal and political implications," he said. "It's hard to be seen taking money from racketeers."
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