The anti-smoking forces have been helped by the makers of nicotine patches, a prescription product to help smokers quit.

But the anti-smoking forces contend that they are outspent and outmanned by the tobacco industry, which has hired some of Washington's top professional lobbyists.

"The anti-smoking forces have so supercharged the environment, we find there's no positive benefit from us seeking publicity."

To be sure, the national battle over indoor smoking continues unabated, and anti-smoking forces are making continuing inroads there as well.

Stiff resistance to the settlement from anti-smoking forces pushed Congressional consideration into the new year.

Until now, the burden has been on anti-smoking forces to try regulate tobacco.

This growth has come despite criticism of the tobacco industry by anti-smoking forces.

So, the anti-smoking forces that helped negotiate the new agreement have no hope of winning support for it unless the industry's lobbyists exert their influence.

The tobacco companies' position on this legislation will provide an early test of their alliance with anti-smoking forces.

The decision was hailed as a victory by both tobacco interests and anti-smoking forces.