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MURPHY CONTINUES CRUSADE FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

How far can Republican Donald E. Murphy ride a single issue that ranks low
among the concerns of most Marylanders?

One of the state's most visible proponents of decriminalizing marijuana for
patients with cancer and other illnesses, Murphy says he is considering a
challenge to Democratic U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings in the 7th District.

"I haven't said no," said Murphy, the former Catonsville delegate who is
chairman of the Baltimore County Republican Party. "The conversations are
starting."

Murphy said he is considering a run primarily because Cummings recently
"came out against medical marijuana." A much-debated bill that drastically
reduced penalties for severely ill patients who use marijuana passed the
Assembly this year and is waiting to be signed by the governor.

"It was a big surprise," Murphy said. "I wouldn't mind the opportunity to
make him explain in public his opposition to this bill."

Cummings, a popular Baltimore politician, represents a district that was
altered heavily in the redistricting process to include many swing
neighborhoods in Howard County. While Cummings won with 87 percent of the
vote in 2000, he collected 74 percent last year - and the GOP doesn't want
to give him a free pass next year.

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