ROB ANDREWS WOULD MAKE AN EXCELLENT GOVERNOR

Bob Ingle makes some good points why Rep. Rob Andrews, D-1st, should
run for governor in his column of Feb. 23, "Andrews elusive on running
for governor."

Another reason Andrews would make a great governor is he has
demonstrated an ability to keep an open mind on issues and revisit his
position when new information becomes available.

Take, for example, the issue of medical marijuana. Rep. Andrews was an
opponent of legalizing this option until he met Jim and Cheryl Miller
and discussed the issue with them. Jim Miller, no stranger to the
Observer's Opinion Page, became an ardent supporter of medical
marijuana after finding it of great benefit to his wife Cheryl, who
passed away last June, 32 years after being diagnosed with multiple
sclerosis. More than a decade ago, Cheryl had exhausted every legal
treatment for MS and was going downhill fast. Marijuana helped ease
her pain and spasticity and allowed her to regain weight she had lost.
Ultimately, the medical use of marijuana gave her many extra years of
life that she would not have otherwise had.

Recognizing that medical marijuana was real after meeting the Millers,
Andrews then became the first and only member of New Jersey's
congressional delegation to cosponsor federal medical marijuana
legislation, such as the bipartisan "States Rights to Medical
Marijuana Act," and he was an original cosponsor of this session's
version of that bill, HR 2233.

Andrews has distinguished himself in Congress as one willing to listen
and evolve his position when new information becomes available. These
qualities demonstrate that Andrews would make an excellent governor
should he choose to run.

GARY STORCK

Madison, WI