Pubdate: Wed, 19 Jan 2000 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 2000 Albuquerque Journal Contact: P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, N.M. 87103 Website: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Author: Tim Archuleta, Tribune reporter SENATE REPUBLICANS QUICKLY SPEAK UP, SAY NO TO DRUG STAND SANTA FE -- Senate Republicans want to make their opposition to Republican Gov. Gary Johnson's drug-legalization push official. Senate Minority Leader L. Skip Vernon introduced a legislative memorial during Tuesday's opening day opposing "efforts to legalize or decriminalize illegal drugs." "The main reason for doing this is that every single Republican in the Senate has said, 'I am adamantly opposed to the governor's position on legalizing drugs,'" said Vernon, an Albuquerque Republican. A memorial does not carry the weight of a law, but it can clearly state the Legislature's position on a specific issue. Copies of memorials approved by the Legislature are delivered to the governor. Johnson this summer announced that he favors legalizing drugs such as marijuana and heroin, and described the "war on drugs" as a costly failure. A former Cabinet member characterized Johnson's actions as a crusade to legalize drugs in New Mexico and America. The governor has said he has no plans to propose drug legislation during the 2000 New Mexico Legislature. But that hasn't calmed the political nerves of some GOP legislators as the 2000 elections near. Vernon, who plans to run for district attorney in Bernalillo County, said Democrats have made it clear they plan to link Republicans to Johnson's drug stance. "Even Diane Denish (the Democratic Party chairwoman) has said we're going to make sure that everyone knows this is the Republican position," Vernon said. "This is not the Republican position. It's the governor's position." He stressed that government policy should not favor drug use. "If you want to destroy any group, what you try to do is get them all to take drugs," Vernon said. "I don't think anyone who really cares about people. . . would ever suggest that taking drugs isn't harmful, reprehensible. It should be illegal." - --- MAP posted-by: manemez j lovitto