BOISE (AP) - Some lawmakers remain focused on raising Idaho's cigarette tax, despite failure to get a hearing on a bill in 2011.

Their renewed 2012 effort will be fraught with difficulty, however, given many conservative Republicans haven't changed their no-new-taxes mantra.

At Thursday's Associated Press Legislative Preview, House Minority Leader John Rusche provided the rationale for a hike, saying boosting cigarette prices is the best way to discourage youngsters from starting a deadly habit.

Gov. Butch Otter said he'd entertain the idea, provided revenue from a hike goes to addressing Idaho's smoking-related Medicaid costs and cessation.

Meanwhile, House Speaker Lawerence Denney raised concerns that hiking cigarette taxes would simply displace purchases to Indian reservations where taxes are lower.

Last year, advocates sought a $1.25 per pack increase, from 57 cents now.