Hmm... I know that I take the unpopular view here, but states have to raise revenue and provide services somehow. I love to smoke fine cigars and shell out the cash for it, remembering that it's a luxury and not a necessity. I'm pragmatic enough to realize that the money will come out of my pocket one way or another, and it's a lot easier to control the flow of money out of my pocket through a cigar tax than it is through property or income taxes.
Here in Oregon, our local politicians haven't shown any nads in years. As soon as they do (and they just did), they're castrated.... I've determined that we just don't like politicians with balls.