JOHNSON WON'T COMMENT ON BUSH AND DRUGS

New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson, a conservative Republican who openly
discusses his past illegal drug use, has declined to comment on how Texas
Gov. George W. Bush has handled the issue.

"Gary Johnson does not speak about what others should do or not do," Diane
Kinderwater, his press secretary, said Friday. "He would not presume to
tell Governor Bush anything."

Mr. Johnson, who admits to using marijuana and cocaine during his college
years, has endorsed publisher Steve Forbes in the 2000 presidential race.

In a July 8 letter, Mr. Johnson told Mr. Bush that he considered him a friend.

"As you campaign, please know that I will continue to roll out the red
carpet for you in New Mexico," Mr. Johnson told Mr. Bush.

After first refusing to answer questions about whether he has ever used
illegal drugs, Mr. Bush said Thursday that he had not done so in the
previous 25 years.

Ms. Kinderwater said one of Mr. Johnson's operating principles is drawn
from a statement by former U.S. Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, who
said, "Anything that will be revealed eventually, should be revealed
immediately."