JESSE ON THE FRONT PAGES OF THE DRUG WAR

In the closing weeks of the gubernatorial race, Reform Party nominee Jesse
Ventura appears in a unique media outlet: the November issue of High Times
magazine. High Times, for the uninitiated, focuses on aspects of the drug
cultures, from smoking to growing. The cover story is "Up in Smoke, Bill
Clinton Goes to Pot." Ventura merits a headline out front: "Jesse The Body
Ventura Fights for Hemp."

In a lengthy Q&A, Ventura discusses his candidacy, political philosophy, his
careers as wrestler and talk-show host and his positions on hemp and
marijuana. "I say tax the hell out of it," Ventura said. "I'm sure that
people who smoke pot recreationally would prefer to pay high taxes on it
rather than be considered criminals."

Campaign adviser Dean Barkley said the interview is just one of dozens
Ventura has done, with outlets from CBS to BBC and the Nation magazine. "I
don't see this as a detriment," he said. "Jesse has some views on the drug
war that are perfectly valid."

Checked-by: Don Beck