Senators challenge cigar Orange Bowl sponsorship

WASHINGTON — Three U.S. senators are urging the Orange Bowl and NCAA to reconsider a three-year deal with Camacho Cigars, saying tobacco has no place in sports.

Sens. Dick Durbin, Frank Lautenberg and Richard Blumenthal, all Democrats, are making the plea in letters to the bowl and NCAA Thursday.

It follows a similar effort earlier this week by several public health groups.

The sponsorship calls for a large presence at several game-day events, including lounges where fans can light up. The three-year deal includes the 2013 BCS National Championship.

The senators say that cigars contain the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals that cigarettes do. They argue that promoting cigars at the Orange Bowl sends the wrong message to young fans.