ED ORLETT: NOT EXACTLY TAFT'S NUMBER ONE FAN

COLUMBUS - If you're following the hot debate over whether Ohio voters
should approve a constitutional amendment to require treatment for
nonviolent first- and second-time drug offenders - instead of jail time -
you'll know that Ed Orlett is not a fan of Ohio's Republican governor.

Mr. Orlett, a former Democratic state legislator, is head of the Ohio
chapter of the Campaign for New Drug Policies, an offshoot of the
California-based group trying to overhaul the states' drug laws.

Over the past several months, Mr. Orlett has engaged in a running battle
with Gov. Bob Taft and First Lady Hope Taft, accusing the couple and other
high-ranking state officials of plotting on state time to scuttle the
ballot issue.

Last February, Inspector General Tom Charles declined to investigate,
saying he agreed with state Auditor Jim Petro's conclusion that it was
proper for state officials to "spend state time and resources to review"
the proposed constitutional amendment and assess its impact on Ohio.

In fact, some say Mr. Orlett is falling into a trap by turning the ballot
issue into a referendum on Mr. Taft. Treatment for nonviolent drug
offenders? OK. Evil Taft? Not a good sell, if you believe the polls.

Somehow, Mr. Orlett got on the Taft campaign's mailing list and received a
campaign solicitation. Here are some excerpts in the "Dear Ed" letter that
Mr. Taft signed:

* "You've been my most loyal ally."

* "I've taken the liberty of preparing and enclosing your personalized Taft
Team 2002 Membership Card."

* "... will you return the reply form with your urgently needed
contribution of $500 or $250 to my re-election campaign?"

* "Ohio Democrats have made defeating me their number one priority. In
fact, Teddy Kennedy has already traveled to our state to raise money for my
opponent ... and my opponent just returned from a trip to Los Angeles where
the liberal Hollywood establishment raised thousands more for him."

* "What's more, some national labor unions have pledged to spend whatever
it takes to defeat me."

* "Don't let the Democrats tear us down."