LIMBAUGH RAPS WARNER

Right-wing radio host ridicules U.S. attorney for statements on drugs

A Gazette story about how West Virginia users of illegal drugs pay higher
prices than those in other states drew the ridicule of right-wing talk show
host Rush Limbaugh on his Wednesday radio program.

Limbaugh poked fun at U.S. Attorney Kasey Warner for a quote in the story
Tuesday where he said, "Maybe people have the idea that us poor hillbillies
in the backwoods will pay more for our drugs."

After Limbaugh criticized Democratic presidential front-runner Howard Dean,
defended his controversial comments about Philadelphia Eagles quarterback
Donovan McNabb and discussed his own problem with illegal drug use, he
turned to Warner's quote.

Limbaugh said the quote made Warner sound like he was complaining that West
Virginia drug users were getting ripped off.

"Kasey Warner. Remember this name," Limbaugh said after a hearty guffaw.
"That's unbelievable. I guess they want a price war on drugs."

Warner said Limbaugh missed the point of the story. He said he released the
statistics to show that drug users here are getting duped and should stop
using.

"I'll say almost anything if it'll help people get off drugs," he said. "My
real point was, I don't think people realize how much money goes into the
drug trade while there are health and economic problems in West Virginia."

Warner added that he was not stereotyping all West Virginians as
hillbillies, but "anybody involved in illegal drugs, I don't mind saying
you're ignorant."

Limbaugh did appear to grasp Warner's point near the end of the segment.

"His point is: There can't be that much demand," Limbaugh said. "He thinks
West Virginia drug users are being taken advantage of because the dealers
think they're stupid hicks and don't know what the price is elsewhere."

Warner, an appointee of President Bush, said the program was humorous but
added that Limbaugh's mockery was unfair, "especially with his problem."