METH STUDY AUTHOR DECLINES INVITE

HELENA - The author of a study critical of the Meth Project said
Saturday that it is unlikely he will be able to accept the Montana
governor's request to discuss his results with lawmakers.

David Erceg-Hurn, a doctoral student in psychology at the University
of Western Australia, said he found Gov. Brian Schweitzer's interest
encouraging, but said he has prior commitments over the next two
months. He also cited a lack of funding for a trip to Montana.

The Montana Meth Project, copied in other states such as Wyoming, has
criticized Erceg-Hurn's work as a limited analysis that misrepresents
the true results. The Wyoming Meth Project uses similar methodology as
the Montana Meth Project to reduce use of the drug.

Erceg-Hurn reported earlier this month that results used to promote
the program and expand it into other states emphasize positive
numbers, and hide bad news in the appendices. Erceg-Hurn also said
that meth use was decreasing even before the Meth Project began airing
its messages, in part, due to changes in law.

Schweitzer extended the invitation to the researcher on
Friday.

The governor has set aside $500,000 in his proposed state budget for
the Meth Project. But Schweitzer said he wanted Erceg-Hurn to
personally present his findings to make sure decision makers look at
all sides of the issue.

The researcher said in an e-mail on Saturday to The Associated Press
that he was told the governor's office does not have the resources to
pay for his trip, and neither does he.

"It is encouraging that the governor appears to be keen to critically
evaluate the funding of meth prevention in Montana," Erceg-Hurn wrote.
"Although I will not be able to make it in person, I am keen to
contribute to the discussion in some other capacity, and will be
endeavoring to do so."

The Meth Project that has sprung up in other states was founded in
Montana by billionaire and part-time Montana resident Tom Siebel.

Both Montana and Wyoming have reported meth usage rates far above the
national level.