DESPITE LAST PLACE FINISH, LOEHNDORF HAPPY WITH MARIJUANA PARTY'S EFFECTS
ON OTHER PARTIES

This campaign's poignant court jester, Dan Loehndorf of the Marijuana
Party, remained jubilant after the election, despite finishing last. While
he had visions of victory early in the campaign, those hopes were quickly
butted out last night.

Though he didn't win many votes, Loehndorf took consolation in winning
influence over voters and the other candidates' stance on marijuana issues.

"We've influenced the other parties with our platform," said Loehndorf.
"Even parties that haven't had a marijuana platform are taking it more
seriously."

Loehndorf went on to burn the NDP for not vocalizing their policy on
marijuana while in power and during the campaign.

"I think the New Democrats have been shamed because they have a marijuana
party platform and they never brought it up," said Loehndorf.

While the final votes were being tallied, the scene at the Holy Smoke
Culture Shop, Marijuana Party headquarters, was laid back. As a handful of
dreadlocked and blue-jeaned supporters casually watched the election
coverage - in which the Marijuana Party registered 540 votes or 2.6 percent
of the popular vote - the mellow vibe was more like a love-in than a
campaign party.

Loehndorf briefly departed the haze to make a visit to other campaign
offices to congratulate candidates and to invite them back to "marijuana
headquarters to smoke some pot."

When he dropped by the Green party headquarters, Loehndorf embraced
candidate Colleen McCrory and congratulated her on a successful campaign.
Just as the Greens helped split the NDP vote, Loehndorf acknowledged the
Marijuana party did the same to the Greens. But he insisted the Greens
likely stole some thunder from his party.

"Sure we took some of their votes but conversely, maybe a lot of people who
voted Green should have voted Marijuana," said Loehndorf.