WILLIE GETS POLITICAL

The presidential primaries are seven months away, but the endorsements have
begun, reports The Philadelphia Inquirer. Country legend Willie Nelson has
announced his support for U.S. Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, saying he
"stands up for heartland Americans who are too often overlooked and unheard."

Nelson, who once famously admitted smoking pot on the roof of the White
House during the Carter administration, also applauds Kucinich's efforts to
legalize medical marijuana and end the drug war.

A spokesman for Kucinich ("Rhymes with spinach, and they're both good for
you," says his rep) tells The New York Daily News: "We hope to invite
Willie back to dinner at the White House after Dennis' inauguration."

Meanwhile, Nelson's Sept. 7 Farm Aid concert will take place in Columbus --
which Kucinich represents. The Farm Aid concerts, started by Nelson, Neil
Young and John Mellencamp in 1985, have raised $24 million for farmers.
This year's concert will feature all three, plus board member Dave
Matthews, Sheryl Crow, Brooks & Dunn and Trick Pony.