WASHINGTON, D.C., Nov. 10, 2014 – Today, the American Vaping Association, a leading advocate for the benefits of vaping products such as electronic cigarettes, commented on the defeat of New Mexico State Rep. Liz Thomson (D – Albuquerque, 24th District). Rep. Thomson, an avowed critic of vaping products, faced significant national opposition to her re-election in the lead up to her defeat last week by candidate Conrad James (R) by a slim margin of 336 votes.
Gregory Conley, president of the American Vaping Association, issued the following statement:
“At a committee hearing in mid-October, over 50 New Mexico e-cigarette users and business owners witnessed Liz Thomson disregard science and denigrate supporters of vaping. Thomson further indicated that she would be pushing for unjustifiable anti-consumer and anti-business bills on e-cigarettes, including sin taxes, flavor restrictions, and usage bans.
“Following that hearing, a social media centered movement began with the goal of defeating Thomson in her bid for re-election. In addition to financial donations to Conrad James’ campaign, vapers from across the United States volunteered to make phone calls as part of a Get Out The Vote effort. Furthermore, in our individual capacities, myself and Pamela Gorman, the director of government relations for the e-cigarettes company NJOY, traveled to Albuquerque a week before the election to knock on doors and talk to voters about the need to elect Conrad James.
“We are pleased with the results of Tuesday’s election. We believe Conrad James will make wise and informed choices with regard to vaping and the New Mexico vapor industry. Conrad is an extremely accomplished scientist who recognizes that health policy should be driven by facts, not conjecture and emotion.
“This election was not about electing a Democrat or a Republican. It was about sending a message to policymakers nationwide — targeting vaping won’t gain you a single vote, but it may be a contributing factor in your future primary or election loss. Whether Republican, Democrat, or Independent, if you do not listen to the evidence and treat vaping as the serious public health topic that it is, vapers will work to make examples out of you.”
About the American Vaping Association
The American Vaping Association is a nonprofit organization that advocates for fair and sensible regulation of vapor products, otherwise known as electronic cigarettes, with the goal of maximizing the number of adult smokers who use these products to quit smoking. The AVA was founded by Gregory Conley, a consumer and industry advocate with a long track record of advocating for vapor products dating back to 2010.
We are dedicated to educating the public and government officials about public health benefits offered by vapor products, which are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid nicotine or nicotine-free solution and create an inhalable vapor. The AVA is not a trade group and does not speak for any particular businesses, including our industry sponsors.
You can learn more about AVA and vaping by visiting the AVA website. You can also find us on Facebook and Twitter.
