PROMISES, PROMISES: Obama tax pledge up in smoke

"WASHINGTON (AP) - One of President Barack Obama's campaign pledges on taxes went up in puffs of smoke Wednesday.

"The largest increase in tobacco taxes took effect despite Obama's promise not to raise taxes of any kind on families earning under $250,000 or individuals under $200,000.

"This is one tax that disproportionately affects the poor, who are more likely to smoke than the rich.

"To be sure, Obama's tax promises in last year's campaign were most often made in the context of income taxes. Not always."