Medical marijuana backer to run for Calif. governor

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) The combative founder of San Francisco's biggest
medical marijuana club plans to challenge his archenemy, Attorney General
Dan Lungren, in next year's Republican primary for governor.

Dennis Peron, a driving force behind the passage last year of Proposition
215, which legalizes pot for medical purposes, has long accused the GOP
frontrunner of persecuting him.

Lungren "is a man who is against everything we stand for," Peron aide John
Entwistle said Tuesday in announcing Peron's plans to run.

Lungren countered: "If Dennis Peron is running for governor on the
Republican ticket, he has smoked more marijuana than even I thought."

Peron in 1991 founded the Cannabis Buyers Club, which sells marijuana to
patients whose doctors prescribe it. For years it operated illegally with
little interference from San Francisco police.

Lungren raided the club a year ago during the campaign over Proposition
215. State agents seized more than 100 pounds of pot and $60,000 in cash,
and closed the place down.

Peron, 50, was charged with conspiracy and other drug charges. He pleaded
"morally not guilty" and is awaiting trial.

The club was allowed to reopen early this year following approval of
Proposition 215.

Republican Gov. Pete Wilson is barred by term limits from seeking a third
term. Lungren is the only Republican to declare his candidacy.

Among the Democrats said to be considering a run are Al Checchi,
cochairman of Northwest Airlines; Sen. Dianne Feinstein; and former White
House chief of staff Leon Panetta.