GARY JOHNSON GETS ATTENTION FOR DRUG IDEAS

SANTA FE -- Gov. Gary Johnson is one brave dude.

When his feelings about drug decriminalization were revealed recently as a
result of an overheard conversation at a Santa Fe restaurant, the governor
had the opportunity to either deny or dismiss the hearsay remarks. Instead
he confirmed the conversation and took the offensive.

When Albuquerque Tribune reporter Tim Archuleta was tipped off about the
governor's private remarks, he attempted to verify them. GOP state Chairman
John Dendahl originally denied that Johnson brought up the subject, so a
denial by Johnson might have ended the digging. Or the governor could have
said he mentioned the possibility of decriminalization as one of so many
alternatives that others might not have even remembered it.

But Johnson met the question head on, admitting to his interest in the
subject even though he hadn't planned on making it public, at least until
he had time to explore the alternative further. Once it became public,
however, Johnson ran with it, coining the phrase "Just say, know - know the
facts," appearing on radio programs and planning a series of public forums
around the state.

The state League of Women Voters has met with the governor and has agreed
to assist with his forums. The group has been researching drug policy
issues for several years. And Johnson is beginning to become a national
celebrity for his drug stand. Last week he appeared on a Los Angeles radio
station and on a nationally syndicated talk show hosted by former Texas
agriculture commissioner Jim Hightower, a populist Democrat.

Republican legislators, meanwhile, are scrambling for political cover.
Although Johnson says he has run his last election, all 112 legislative
seats are up for grabs next year. House Republican Leader Ted Hobbs of
Albuquerque says it's "a lousy election issue." Senate Republican Leader
Skip Vernon of Albuquerque says Johnson has had some good and some bad
ideas during his tenure, but this is "the worst." As the 2000 election
cycle unfolds, many questions will be answered. Will Republican legislative
candidates try to distance themselves from their popular governor? Will
anyone try to muzzle him? And what will happen at the Republican National
Convention?

Johnson eagerly campaigned for Republican lawmakers four years ago during
the last mid-term elections.

Presumably he's ready to do the same next year, except when he finds a
pro-voucher Democrat running against an anti-voucher Republican. Even if
Johnson agrees to not bring up drugs, might some Republican candidates fear
he could be a loose cannon?

And what about Johnson's desire to have drug decriminalization discussed at
next summer's Republican National Convention? Will GOP leaders put up with
such a distraction from what appears may be a coronation of Gov. George W.
Bush? Recent national conventions have become so scripted that networks
have gotten bored.

Gary Johnson and his drug ideas might be just the thing news folks want to
liven the proceedings - and just the thing convention organizers don't want
to detract from the nomination of a candidate who admits to having had some
pretty good times until he turned 40. Would there be pressure to keep the
governor from leading the New Mexico delegation?

Johnson says he doesn't see any political support forming for his drug
ideas. He says he'd be open to legislation next year but he doesn't see it
being introduced. Republican legislative leaders agree. But no one has
heard from the Democrats, other than a few nods to his courage.

But just wait until the 2000 Legislature. Don't be surprised to see drug
decriminalization legislation gleefully introduced by Democrats. It won't
pass, but it will receive a discussion much fuller than granted the
governor's school vouchers last year. And it will continue right through
the election year.

Democrats' silence now is merely a manifestation of the political adage:
"When your enemy is busy digging himself a hole, don't do anything to stop
him."