CAMPAIGN 2000 - 15TH DISTRICT CHALLENGERS PROTEST DRUG WAR

The two candidates running against Republican U.S. Rep. Deborah Pryce in
the 15th District will attend a "Stop George W. Bush" rally on Nov. 4
sponsored by groups seeking to legalize marijuana.

Bill Buckel of Clinton Township, the Democrat, and Scott T. Smith of
Grandview Heights, the Libertarian, both said yesterday that marijuana
sales should be controlled similar to the way alcohol is regulated.

"We should stop the prohibition program and change it to the informed
adults program" Buckel said, contending legal sales would remove the profit
from many drug-related crimes.

Smith agreed. "I'm absolutely opposed to the war on drugs," he said.

Pryce issued a statement opposing legalization.

"Substance abuse is a very serious problem that has contributed to crime,
family deterioration and high health-care expenses in our society," Pryce
said. "Legalizing marijuana sends the wrong signal to our children at a
point in time at which our country should finally be turning the corner on
drug abuse."

Also scheduled to attend the rally in front of Republican State
Headquarters is John R. McAlister, the Libertarian candidate for the U.S.
Senate from Ohio. The rally is sponsored by For a Better Ohio, votehemp.com
and Drug Policy Education of Ohio.