KAINE AIDE'S DEATH BLAMED ON DRUG

The April death of a 21- year-old worker in Richmond Mayor Timothy M.
Kaine's campaign for lieutenant governor was caused by a drug commonly
known as the date rape drug, the State Medical Examiner's Office reported
yesterday.

Michael Risman was found dead about 11:45 a.m. April 6 in his Church Hill
apartment by his roommate, with whom he had spent the previous night
drinking at downtown nightclubs, according to police.

Tests have shown that Risman died of acute gamma hydroxybutyric (GHB) acid
poisoning, said Robert Holloway, administrator of the medical examiner's
office.

GHB, also known as the date rape drug, is illegal in Virginia. The drug has
been reportedly used by some bodybuilders to bulk up and strengthen
muscles, but medical authorities have warned it is dangerous and can cause
severe respiratory problems, seizures and coma.

Risman, whose parents live in Charleston, S.C., and are immigrants from
Ukraine, joined Kaine's campaign in January after having worked on other
political campaigns since graduating last year from Oglethorpe University
in Atlanta.

In a statement yesterday, Kaine said Risman's death was "a horrendous
personal tragedy."

"If there is such a thing as a lesson to be learned from the death of such
a young, bright individual, it is that drugs have no boundaries," Kaine
said. "They can take the best and the brightest.

"Michael made a horrible personal choice, and that tragic decision cost him
his life. My thoughts continue to be with his family at this time of sorrow."