Deirdre Shesgreen

USA TODAY

It’s a match made in heaven, or maybe made in a designated smoking area.

Former House speaker and unrepentant smoker John Boehner has joined the board of tobacco giant Reynolds American Inc. The former GOP congressman from Ohio is widely known for his cigarette habit — he generally smokes Camel Ultra Lights, which are made by Reynolds — as well as his close ties to the tobacco industry.

He once handed out campaign checks from tobacco interests on the House floor, a move he later said he regretted.

There is a twist to Boehner’s new corporate gig. He will apparently be helping the company stop kids from smoking, or so says his spokesman.

“RAI is striving to transform the tobacco industry through innovative strategies that include speeding the decline in tobacco use among young people and reducing the harm caused by smoking,” said Boehner’s spokesman, Dave Schnittger. “These are objectives Speaker Boehner supports and looks forward to helping RAI advance through his service on the board."

Matthew L. Myers, president of the Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids, called it "truly absurd" that Reynolds and Boehner would claim to be committed to curbing tobacco use among kids.

"Their records show the exact opposite," Myers said. "Reynolds’ announcement pairs the tobacco company with the most egregious record of marketing to kids and a politician with a long record of fighting policies to reduce youth tobacco use."

Schnittger declined to say how much Boehner would be paid — or whether the ex-speaker will get free smokes as part of the deal.

Boehner retired from Congress last October.