NASHVILLE – The Tennessee Republican party today called on Gov. Phil Bredesen to support the American Cancer Society’s 31st annual Great American Smokeout Thursday despite the Bredesen administration’s addiction to cigarette tax revenue.

The Great American Smokeout is an event designed to encourage cigarette smokers to quit smoking for at least 1 day so that they might quit permanently. The American Cancer Society says smoking cessation has substantial and immediate health benefits for men and women of all ages.

“We hope the Bredesen administration won’t allow its addiction to cigarette tax revenue cause it to not support the Great American Smokeout,” said Bill Hobbs, Tennessee Republican Party communications director.