JOHNSON TELLS STUDENTS NOT TO DO DRUGS

Gov. Gary Johnson again Fridayslapped down speculation of a wrestling
match with his Minnesota counterpart and urged youngsters not to use
drugs.

All in one afternoon, all before students of Santa Fe's New Mexico
Academy for Sciences and Mathematics. Johnson's comments came at an
open question-and-answer forum at the academy, where he earlier
presented 13 students with merit scholarships to the 2-year-old
private school on Old Santa Fe Trail. He encouraged students to learn
what they could and use that knowledge later in life. More than
$70,000 in scholarships were given to students in grades six through
10. After the presentation, teachers, parents and students asked
questions and gave comments.

Subjects included gasoline price disparity in Santa Fe and
Albuquerque, religion and morality, the state income tax, school
vouchers, term limits, economic development and the wrestling prowess
of the governor from the Land of 10,000 Lakes. "Because we all know
how fit you are," said 13-year-old James Doty, "I was wondering how
well your relationship is with Jesse Ventura?" Quite good, apparently.
Johnson said the two hit it off at a governors' conference earlier
this year. "We actually have a lot of views that are very similar,"
Johnson responded. "We get along pretty well. I don't want to wrestle
him, though." Then there is Johnson's drug legalization issue, which
no one tip-toed around; the governor prompted the questions, and
children and adults asked away. "Kids, don't do drugs," Johnson urged.
"But as much I tell you that, as much as your parents tell you that,
as much as your teachers tell you that, 54 percent of you are going to
try some sort of illegal drug." The topic was prohibited in December,
when Johnson answered questions from De Vargas Middle School students.

Some parents then had opposed the governor's views, and one even
unsuccessfully sought a restraining order in court to prevent Johnson
from appearing at the school. Friday's event included the lingering
legalization issue, and Johnson received some praise from parents for
his views. Johnson also noted his public perception in his address to
students, which has recently shown to be declining statewide. "I've
always wanted to be involved in politics.

I've always believed that politics was a high calling," he said. "I
understand there would be plenty who would line up and say that I have
done no good at all for New Mexico, but this is the opportunity that I
was given."