51.   The state also boasts the fourth-lowest adult smoking rate in the nation, according to the Centers for Disease Control behavioral risk factor survey.

52.   The teen-age smoking rate, while rising elsewhere, is flattening there -- possibly because the TV spots are lean, mean and funny.

53.   Those results contrasted with research elsewhere showing a rise in the teen-age smoking rate.

54.   To that end, cigarette makers are considering a massive advertising campaign, emphasizing aspects of the settlement geared to reducing teen smoking rates.

55.   Two anti-tobacco lawmakers are introducing legislation that would dramatically escalate the cost to the tobacco industry if teen smoking rates do not plunge over the next six years.

56.   And Minister for Public Health Tessa Jowell said Friday that the studies reinforce the case for reducing smoking rates.

57.   Dr. Corinne Husten, a medical officer with the CDC Office on Smoking and Health, said there are signs the smoking rate can go much lower.

58.   Governments have had varying success at cutting smoking rates by imposing high tobacco taxes, advertising bans and other steps.

59.   However, there is no indication yet that the campaign has helped reduce smoking rates.

60.   Researchers say smoking rates are declining significantly among males in many Asian countries, but rising among females.