POT SMOKING CLERIC SEEKS TORY LEADERSHIP

OTTAWA (CP) - A pot-smoking cleric who lives in a trailer without
electricity says he puffed a joint Thursday shortly before he declared his
intention to seek the leadership of the federal Progressive Conservatives.

Rev. Michael Baldasaro, a 49-year-old bearded hippie clad in sandals,
shorts, a hat and a tank top, said on Parliament Hill that the focus of his
campaign would be to legalize marijuana.

A tax on marijuana could be used to pare down the national debt, he said

At a news conference that resembled a scene from a Cheech and Chong movie,
Baldasaro and his campaign manager, the equally attired Reverend Brother
Walter Tucker, took turns championing what they call the tree of life.

They also deflected charges they were making a mockery of the Tory
leadership selection process that culminates in a vote by all card-carrying
Tories on Oct. 24.

"It's not harmful to the health, its a medicine," said Baldasaro, who
lives off a disability pension after he injured his head in an industrial
accident.

Baldasaro is the 15th person to announce they want to lead the Tories.
Former strategist Hugh Segal is the only candidate who has paid the $30,000
required to be officially in the race to succeed Jean Charest.

Baldasaro called the fee unconstitutional and undemocratic and has filed a
complaint with the party asking that it be waved because he can't afford
it.

Party officials have said they have no plans to change the rules.

Those seeking the leadership must pay up by July 31.

Baldasaro and Tucker live on the grounds of an abandoned steel mill in
Cambridge, Ont. The mill is owned by John Long, a businessman who became
the first declared Tory leadership candidate in May.

Checked-by: (Joel W. Johnson)