5 GOVERNOR CANDIDATES OPPOSED TO LEGALIZING MARIJUANA

Editor's note: This is one of a continuing series in which Montanans can
ask candidates for governor about the issues.

HELENA - None of the five major political party candidates for governor
supports legalizing marijuana, and most are against legalizing marijuana
used for medical purposes.

However, Democrat Mark O'Keefe said that if the Legislature approved the
bill, he would sign a law legalizing marijuana used for medical purposes
only, provided that it's prescribed by a doctor, dispensed by a pharmacist
and administered in a medical facility.

Lawrence Turk, a registered nurse from Missoula, asked this two-part
question of the candidates: "What is your position on legalizing medical
marijuana. What is your position on decriminalizing marijuana for all users?"

Here are the candidates' answers:

DEMOCRAT MIKE COONEY, secretary of state: "I do not support
decriminalization of marijuana for all users. While I will not propose
legalizing medical marijuana, I will keep an open mind on the subject
should the Legislature decide to pursue this issue while I am governor. In
my view, this is an issue decided best by scientists and physicians and
should the Legislature choose to consider legislation in this regard, I
will insist that they use the best science available to reach their
ultimate conclusion."

REPUBLICAN JUDY MARTZ, lieutenant governor: "I cannot support legalizing
medical marijuana. Not only is the medical community deeply divided on the
medical merits of the drug, the U.S. Department of Justice is challenging
laws from five states that have approved use of medical marijuana.
Furthermore, I cannot support the decriminalization of marijuana, and in
fact will work tirelessly to battle drug abuse and addiction. At a time
when marijuana use is on the rise among teenagers, we need leaders who will
wage aggressive efforts against recreational drug use, especially against
drugs that often serve as a gateway to more illicit drug use and addiction."

DEMOCRAT JOE MAZUREK, attorney general: "As attorney general, I've seen the
devastating effect of drugs on all sectors of our society. They contribute
to family problems, school problems, and, of course, to our problems with
crime. I've been proud to support drug and alcohol education and prevention
efforts in Montana communities. I do not support the legalization of
marijuana for any purposes."

REPUBLICAN ROB NATELSON, University of Montana law professor: "Marijuana
possession, sale and use is illegal under federal law. Certainly, I am
sympathetic toward the perceived need some patients feel for prescription
marijuana. But there is also well-placed concern that medical marijuana
exception can become a facade for evading federal drug laws. Moreover, many
knowledgeable people see marijuana as a "gateway" toward nastier drugs. So
the federal government has blocked state `medical marijuana laws wherever
they have been passed. The legalization of marijuana for any purposes."

DEMOCRAT MARK O'KEEFE, state auditor: "I am opposed to decriminalizing
marijuana. Marijuana is a gateway drug and should not be available to the
public. I would sign a bill to legalize medical marijuana if prescribed by
a physician, dispensed by a licensed pharmacist and administered in a
medical facility. It should be treated just like any other controlled
substance used to control pain or treat a medical condition."

To ask questions of candidates for governor, readers may send them to the
Lee Newspapers State Bureau, P.O. Box 1676, Helena, Mont. 59601, or fax
them at 406-443-0034 or e-mail them to: csjohnson@uswest.net. Participants
are asked to include their addresses and phone numbers for verification.
The questions must be asked of all five candidates.