AUGUSTA - For the second year running, Maine is the only state in the country getting a straight-A report card from a health group for its anti-smoking efforts.

The American Lung Association on Tuesday announced the grades at a State House news conference.

Maine received A grades in four areas in which all states were judged: Restricting youth access to tobacco products, limiting exposure to second-hand smoke, discouraging demand through high prices and funding a comprehensive tobacco prevention and treatment program.

Gov. John Baldacci, who wants to raise taxes by another $1 a pack of cigarettes, attended Tuesday's news conference. Maine also raised the tax by $1 per pack in 2005, bringing the current state tax to $2 a pack, which is among the nation's highest.

Baldacci said he hopes other states throughout the country will follow Maine's lead and its coordinated efforts to fight tobacco use.