NEW MEXICO GOVERNOR DOESN'T HELP OWN CAUSE

New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson is not helping his cause of drug legalization
by his choice of media outlets.

For the second time since August, Johnson has granted an interview
regarding his stance on drug legalization to a magazine, Playboy, more
known for its centerfolds than its editorial content. An interview with
Johnson discussing drug legalization has appeared in two such publications
since August.

Johnson, who has taken his support for drug legalization to the national
stage, described the interviews as "editorials."

Fellow Republican Rep. Ron Godbey of Albuquerque called the articles
"degrading" to the office of governor. Godbey offers an apt description.

Johnson supports drug legalization to remove the criminal element from drug
abuse and favors increasing drug treatment rather than incarceration.

However, Johnson's decision to distribute his opinion in such publications,
which he is entitled to do, is a separate issue.

Johnson is not providing substance or credence to his argument by conveying
a controversial message through such questionable means.