CANDIDATE FORUM GETS JOLT

Kahn: Consider Drug Legalization

Congressional candidate Roger Kahn told a group of college students Tuesday
that "maybe some drugs could be legalized."

Kahn stressed that he does not advocate legalizing drugs but, unlike his
opponents, he's willing to listen to expert opinion on the subject.

"I'll keep an open mind toward trying to find out solutions for our country
to this horrendous problem," said Kahn, who is running as a Democrat for
the 11th Congressional District seat.

The answer suprised some in the crowd of more than 50 people at the State
University of West Georgia.

Kahn's remarks were in response to audience questions about the candidates'
stance on illegal drugs. Buddy Darden, Kahn's Democratic opponent, and
three Republicans took a hard-line approach, saying they support America's
war on drugs and oppose legalization.

Mel Steely, politics professor at West Georgia, attended the forum. He said
Kahn's remarks were couched in a way to give him wiggle room, but were
still a shock.

"The only thing I can think is that they caught him off guard or he has
polling that tells him people would support legalizing drugs in certain
circumstances," Steely said. He added that it's unlikely there is such
polling data. "It's a very risky move on his part if it was a thinking
position."

Kahn also was the only candidate to mention the absence of Libertarian
candidate Wayne Parker. Parker does not have opposition in the primary and
was not invited to the forum.

Kahn was not specific on what drugs he would consider for legalization.

He said he looks forward to hearing all viewpoints, including those of
Libertarians, because, "it's only through good discussions with open minds
that we will grow as Americans."