UP IN SMOKE?

U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood, R-Peoria, could have two opponents in the
November general election. Democrat Steve Waterworth is challenging
him again. And apparently, so is Illinois Marijuana Party candidate
Richard Rawlings of Bartonville.

We couldn't actually reach Rawlings (he didn't return an e-mail and
his phone number is not listed), but his Web site is chock full of
information about his run for the 18th Congressional district seat.

"With the legalization of marijuana we can build a wealthy, safer and
more beautiful Illinois!" he writes.

On his Web site, Rawlings explains that he was first busted with
marijuana in 1977.

In 1984, he was arrested for delivery and possession of marijuana,
and sentenced to six months detention at the Peoria County Jail. The
criminalization of marijuana use causes undue hardships for people,
he says, and by regulating it, the state could make a pretty penny
off Mary Jane.

"Legalizing marijuana would take back the No. 1 cash crop in the
world from those that run the black market, creating and saving
family farms here in Illinois," he writes.

Problem is, Rawlings will have to collect 16,596 signatures to get
his name on the ballot, according to the Illinois State Board of
Elections. He has until June 26 to do so.

That would be quite a feat for any candidate, but particularly one
whose flagship issue is legalizing marijuana. Say what you will about
the effectiveness of the War on Drugs, it's unlikely that central
Illinois will take the charge to legalize pot.

But say - man - like, how much fun would those debates be?