Pubdate: Tue, 01 Aug 2000 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 2000 Albuquerque Journal Contact: P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, N.M. 87103 Website: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Author: Michael Coleman, Journal Washington Bureau GOV. BLASTS PROHIBITION 'BOGEYMAN' AT SHADOW CONVENTION Gov. Gary Johnson brought his controversial crusade for drug legalization to Philadelphia, where he received a hero's welcome Tuesday from hundreds of participants at a so-called shadow convention. The Republican governor outlined a policy position now familiar to many New Mexicans: The drug war is ruining lives and unnecessarily costing society billions of dollars. "Drug prohibition is tearing this country apart. Prohibition is the bogeyman," Johnson said to heavy applause and shouts of encouragement from the audience. "Marijuana should be legal," the governor said. Some of the New Mexico delegates to the Republican National Convention here were not as enthusiastic about Johnson's comments as people attending the shadow convention. "He has a perfect right to say anything he wants but he could have picked a better time and a better place," said Meribelle "Dusty" Bolton, a New Mexico delegate and vice chair of the state Republican Party. "We are building unity and this is a very divisive issue," Bolton said. The shadow convention, organized by syndicated columnist Arianna Huffington, is being billed as an alternative to the Republican National Convention taking place across town. - --- MAP posted-by: Keith Brilhart