BLAGOJEVICH SAYS HE DOESN'T KNOW IF HE INHALED POT

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Democratic gubernatorial nominee Rod Blagojevich said
Monday he smoked marijuana twice when he was younger but was so inept at it
he does not know if he inhaled.

"I did it twice, and I'm a nonsmoker," Blagojevich said at a news
conference at the Capitol. "I don't like it; I run. So I don't know if I
inhaled or not."

He added: "I never liked the smell of it, but it was a smell that we all of
our generation are very familiar with, and I'm sure I'm not the only one in
this room who can recognize that smell."

He said he has not tried any other kind of illicit drug and does not
support legislation to legalize marijuana.

Blagojevich's comments came a month after a fellow Democrat hinted at
skeletons in Blagojevich's closet.

Last month at the Illinois State Fair, Democratic Party Chairman Michael
Madigan said there were indiscretions in Blagojevich's life that he could
discuss, but Madigan declined to elaborate.

Blagojevich said Monday he doesn't know what Madigan was referring to.

"I feel good about the life I've lived, a very honest life - work hard,
jog, try to eat the right kinds of foods, don't do anything in excess,"
Blagojevich said.

A spokesman for Republican nominee Jim Ryan said Ryan has never used any
illegal drug.