JOHNSON IS LONG ON TALK, SHORT ON SPECIFICS

Perhaps never in New Mexico's political life has anyone caused such a stir
by simply saying: "Let's talk."

By raising the issue of drug decriminalization, Gov. Gary Johnson became a
regular on television news talk shows and the darling of a few national
columnists and editorial writers - without, so far, offering a single
specific idea for changing the nation's drug policies.

Since news leaked out in late June that Johnson wanted to push drug
decriminalization as an issue, the governor has steadfastly declined to
identify any law or policy change that he supports.

Johnson has said marijuana smoking shouldn't be considered a crime and that
even legalizing, taxing and regulating the sales of now-illegal drugs should
be considered. But he hasn't endorsed any change in the state's or the
country's drug laws.

The drug war isn't working, Johnson says, and he just wants a drug-policy
debate on "everything from A to Z."

Having the chutzpah to even talk about drug decriminalization or
legalization as options has been enough to set Johnson apart from just about
any other major politician of his generation - and gain him national
recognition.

But his critics are starting to hone in on the governor's lack of
specificity.

Sen. Skip Vernon, R-Albuquerque, said that until "the governor says what he
wants to do, he can't expect anything but an absolute no" in response to his
drug-policy talk.

"This idea of drug decriminalization means so many different things to
different people," said Vernon, the Senate Republican leader. "It could be a
cart at Central and Second in Albuquerque where someone hawks marijuana to
passers-by, or it could mean some very limited access for medical purposes.
Those are two very different types of discussions to have.

"I don't think it works to have this very generalized type of discussion.
Any good leader who proposes discussion should also come to the table with
their proposal."

In his recent spate of debates with cable TV's talking heads, Johnson comes
off more and more like an avowed advocate for decriminalization or
legalization of drugs - instead of just someone who wants the issue thrown
out for discussion.

But from the start, he's defended the idea of just having a public talk on
less-restrictive drug laws.

"If I said to you right now I supported it, I wouldn't be able to defend
it," Johnson said on the first day his drug views leaked out. "I don't know
enough about it."

State Republican Party Chairman John Dendahl said that Johnson has been
specific enough.

"He said the drug war isn't working, and he's right about that," Dendahl
said. "He said this has to be a federal discussion, not just a state issue.
And he said it's not OK to use drugs and alcohol, that there's no way kids
should be doing drugs."

"Beyond that he just wants to see where this discussion goes and maybe take
the criminal profits out of drugs."

Dendahl said New Mexico is a border state and that drug interdiction is a
big issue so it's appropriate that Johnson has brought up the topic.

State Democratic Party Chairman Diane Denish thinks Johnson quickly moved to
calling for a debate - instead of endorsing specific ways to loosen drug
laws - because "he found himself stuck out on a limb."

"He doesn't have anything to back it up," said Denish, who says Johnson's
drug talk will be an issue in next year's legislative elections. "He's the
leader of the Republican Party in New Mexico, and he speaks for the party."

Senate President Manny Aragon, D-Albuquerque - who himself tried
unsuccessfully to pass a marijuana-decriminalization bill in the 1970s -
said he appreciates Johnson bringing up the drug issue.

"But where's the plan? What's the solution?" Aragon asked.

And as the drug talk goes on, Aragon said, it seems more and more like a
"diversionary tactic" by the governor.

"He's brought it up, and he's been in the national news, and now he ought to
just let it takes its course," Aragon said. "He ought to be more concerned
about schools and prisons. The plans for (widening) Highway 44 and for the
Big I (interstate crossing in Albuquerque) are falling apart.

"Enough already. Let's get on with the stuff we need to do here."

Johnson said last week that he has no ulterior motives.

"I'm certainly well-intentioned here," he said. "It's something I really
believe in."