RIVALS BACK MARIJUANA FOR MEDICAL USE ONLY

TRENTON - Advocates for medical marijuana use will have an ally in
the Governor's Office next year, regardless of whether Democrat U.S.
Sen. Jon S. Corzine, D-N.J., or Republican Doug Forrester wins
November's election.

Both leading candidates said last night they would allow for the
medicinal use of marijuana - if prescribed by a doctor - if they are elected.

"Under the proper circumstances, I think we need to provide all
medical resources, and that includes what is emerging now with regard
to this particular application," Forrester said. "I'm very much open to that."

Corzine said, "If a doctor prescribes it, we need to do what is in
the best interests of the patient."

Both candidates spoke in response to a listener's question during a
forum on New Jersey 101.5 FM radio and other Millennium-owned New
Jersey stations last night. They appeared together on the radio
station hours after answering questions from Gannett New Jersey editors.

Corzine also said he would take only $1 as a salary if he is elected,
but he didn't directly answer whether he would live at the governor's
official residence, Drumthwacket, in Princeton Township.

Corzine, a multimillionaire former investment banker, said he has not
taken a salary in the Senate, instead only accepting health benefits.

Forrester, also a multimillionaire, said he would take the $175,000
governor's salary and give it all to charity.