GUBERNATORIAL HOPEFULS DISCUSS MARIJUANA, GAY MARRIAGE

Minnesota's four major-party gubernatorial candidates ventured onto some
new turf during a debate Wednesday night, fielding questions on everything
from medicinal marijuana to same-sex marriage to school prayer.

"Ever since they invented the test, there's been school prayer," DFLer
Roger Moe joked during the debate at Temple Israel in Minneapolis.

For the record, he said that he doesn't support organized prayer in school,
but that he is fine with students praying on their own. That seemed to be
the consensus among the candidates. Republican Tim Pawlenty added that he
would support "a moment of silence" in schools.

The debate, sponsored by Twin Cities religious and racial minority
organizations, was designed to explore the candidates' views on social
issues. No sparks flew, but the questions differed from the usual taxes and
transportation fare.

On same-sex marriage, only Ken Pentel of the Green Party said he supports
the idea. However, Tim Penny of the Independence Party and Moe said they
would support civil commitment ceremonies for same-sex couples.

"This legal status ought to be recognized for all committed couples," Penny
said.

Pawlenty didn't mention the civil ceremony option, simply saying, "I
believe opposite-sex marriage is the cornerstone of society."

On legalizing marijuana for medicinal use, Moe said he supports doing so,
provided it is under the supervision of medical professionals. Penny said
he remains leery about legalizing drugs. But if it were used for medicinal
reasons, he said, "I suppose I could be persuaded of that."

Pentel called it the "humane and decent" thing to do. And Pawlenty did not
have to answer the question, because he had asked it of his colleagues as
part of the debate format.

All four candidates said that affordable housing is a critical issue in
Minnesota. Pawlenty urged more tax incentives to build affordable housing,
and Penny talked about developing public-private partnerships.

Pentel said he would want to create a housing trust fund and more
rehabilitation programs. And Moe mentioned various measures, including
zoning changes to allow more lower-cost housing to be built.

The candidates were also asked what mistakes they think Gov. Jesse Ventura
has made during his administration. That prompted some grins.

Ventura "wasted his power on celebritydom," Pentel said.

Penny said Ventura's interview with Playboy magazine was one of his biggest
mistakes, as well as fighting with the news media after Sept. 11 when all
eyes should have been on the crisis in New York.

Moe said Ventura alienated too many constituent groups -- from the teachers
union to former University of Minnesota President Mark Yudof.

"I applaud Ventura for his boldness, but after the lights go out at the
press conference, you've got to do the work," Pawlenty said.