EDITORIAL: GOV. JOHNSON'S RHETORIC KEEPS GOING AND GOING ...

New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson continues to push for drug legalization, a
personal agenda that has resulted in a national issue that he refuses to let
subside. Johnson, a lame-duck Republican, seems to relish his new role as a
voice for drug legalization, which in the past has included harder drugs
such as heroin.

While Johnson basks in the national spotlight, legislators in the Land of
Enchantment are evidently growing tired of Johnson's act.

Who can blame them?

New Mexico Democratic Party Chairwoman Diane Denish recently called for
Johnson's resignation following the publication of statements attributed to
Johnson in a New York Times magazine article.

According to the article, Johnson, who said he used cocaine "a couple of
times in his 20s," also said, "Whoa! I understand why people do it. This is
unbelievable."

GOP state chairman John Dendahl tried his best damage control, saying
Johnson was only "telling the truth" regarding the addictive nature of
drugs.

Johnson's stunning realization that drugs are addictive, which he obviously
felt compelled to convey in a national publication, surely was the scoop the
magazine's editors were only too happy to publish.

Denish's request for Johnson's resignation may be extreme, but Johnson
should realize the reasoning behind such a call.

The majority of New Mexicans are weary of Johnson's national grandstanding
regarding what is a personal issue. Johnson is free to support issues he
chooses, but his monotonous support for drug legalization has brought only
embarrassment and criticism to residents of a state he has led for two terms
as governor.

Denish is correct in one aspect, Johnson is using the authority of his
office to needlessly promote and publicize an issue out of his political
jurisdiction.

Does this use of an elected office deem removal? Not necessarily.

However, it is high time, pardon the pun, for Johnson to concentrate solely
on issues pertaining to New Mexico. Those paying attention are well aware of
Johnson's support for drug legalization. It is time for Johnson to move on
to more pertinent issues, such as a reduction in the state income tax and an
increase in the state minimum wage, for starters.

Enough is enough.