I will add that now is the time to hit your local politicians with direct questions about their stance on e-cigarettes, maybe even to educate them if necessary (probably Lol). Then hold them to any positive position they may make. I am not naive enough to think they will actually stick to their position or actually deliver anything that they promised, but you have the chance to make your voices heard at a time when they at least have to listen to you.
I hope everyone makes the most of this situation for the next 2 months.
Absolutely. On the Federal level, each of us has two Senators and one Representative. Odds are good that at least one of those folks are running for re-election this year, which means that they probably have at least one opponent challenging them for their seat. Cover all those bases! And yes, it is fine to contact the Presidential campaign offices of both (or all) parties.
Contact each of these folks to tell them your personal story and to ask if they will help you to keep smoke-free alternatives such as e-cigarettes, snus, and dissolvables available for sale to and use by adults so that smokers can use them to replace some or all of their smoked cigarettes, and that former smokers who, like you, have already escaped from smoking can continue to remain smoke-free.
Replacing smoked cigarettes with a smoke-free alternative source of nicotine is called Tobacco Harm Reduction (THR). See these sites for more information:
Tobaccoharmreduction.org
CASAA - The Consumer Advocates for Smoke-free Alternatives Association
For Smokers Only
When you have contacted all of your federal office-holders and their opponents (if any), move on to your state level legislators and the governor.
And then, repeat the same with your local elected officials.
Or if it is more comfortable for you, do this in reverse, beginning with your City Mayor, Council Member (or County Commissioner or whatever title is held by your local law makers), and then move on to the State level and finally the Federal level.
Use whatever mode of communication is most comfortable for you. If you're a good talker, ask for an appointment to talk with them in person. Most are happy (especially during an election year) to meet with their constituents and help them solve problems. If you're more comfortable writing, write a good letter and then snail mail or fax it to your legislator's office. The same letter can be used for all, just changing the name and address.
Don't know who these people are? The internet makes it easy to look up this information.
Find your U.S. Senators:
U.S. Senate: Senators Home
Find your U.S. Representative:
Find Your Representative · House.gov
Find State Senators & House Members:
Congress.org – Get informed, get involved
To find the web site for your local (city/county/township) government, do a Google search. A little detective work will help you track down the name and contact information for these officials.