MAN ON DRUG-PIPES CHARGE WAS GOP RISER

SARASOTA -- A businessman indicted for allegedly making pipes commonly used
by marijuana smokers won an award from the National Republican
Congressional Committee and was in the running for Republican of the Year.

Chris Hill, 30, of Sarasota, was named one of the 500 businessmen of 2001
last week, making him a candidate for the party's top honor. He was also an
honorary member of the committee's business advisory council, which made
him a candidate for the Businessman of the Year award.

But Hill is facing up to 20 years in prison, charged by federal prosecutors
in Iowa with distributing drug paraphernalia. Federal agents say they found
his pipes when they raided three Iowa smoke shops.

Republican spokesman Carl Forti said he was unaware of the charges against
Hill until he was contacted by the Sarasota Herald-Tribune.

"Excellent," Forti told the paper. "If that's the case, his invitation will
be rescinded and his award will be revoked."

Hill said the party had been courting him since Inc Magazine listed his
business as one of the 500 fastest-growing private companies in 1999.

More than 5,000 stores nationwide sell pipes like the ones Hill made under
the brand-name Chills. The pipes are illegal only if the vendors know
customers will use them for drugs.

"It's a complete misunderstanding," Hill said. "I'm not going to make pipes
again."