Editorial: Lame duck Johnson won't pay political price

There may be a political price to be paid for New Mexico Gov. Gary
Johnson's controversial stance on drug legalization.

However, the governor will not be the one to pay it.

Republican leaders fear the GOP will suffer the political consequences
of Johnson's incessant support for drug legalization.

Johnson's role as a campaigner for GOP candidates, especially in the
Land of Enchantment, has been limited.

GOP leaders are concerned Johnson's support of drug legalization,
which has drawn national attention, could be a political detriment.

It remains to be seen the role Johnson will play for the presidential
campaign of Gov. George W. Bush. Johnson will participate in a GOP
governors' tour of 24 states this week to drum up support for Bush.
Closer to home, state GOP legislators in New Mexico have been hesitant
to use Johnson as a campaign tool in the party's effort to gain a
majority of the Democratic-controlled Legislature.

House GOP leader Ted Hobbs of Albuquerque admitted there is "a fear"
that Johnson's support for drug legalization could cost the GOP votes,
but Hobbs added that he does not believe it will.

Whether this "fear" is warranted or not, the fact GOP legislators
cannot employ the state's highest ranking elected official to promote
their campaigns without concern of the political ramifications is not
conducive to party unity.

Johnson has admitted it is "political suicide" to endorse drug
legalization.

It is just unfortunate for the GOP the two-term governor decided to
make a political issue of drug legalization when his term in office is
expiring, jeopardizing the party and preventing himself from suffering
the possible political consequences.