Pubdate: Wed, 6 Nov 2002
Source: Florida Today (FL)
Copyright: 2002 Florida Today
Contact: http://www.floridatoday.com/forms/services/letters.htm
Website: http://www.flatoday.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/532
Author: John A. Torres
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?217 (Drug-Free Zones)

INCUMBENT NEEDELMAN TROUNCES JAMES

MELBOURNE -- Incumbent Republican Mitch Needelman defeated Democratic 
challenger Jodi James on Tuesday night in a campaign that continuously 
rooted itself in differences regarding drug issues.

With 100 percent of the precincts reporting, Needelman won with 33,403 
votes (66.9 percent) to James' 16,561 votes (33.1 percent).

The campaign had its ugly moments. James accused Needelman, retired from 
law enforcement, of coercion after he told her he would let the public know 
about her felony drug conviction of 1988. James sold LSD to an undercover 
officer and was sentenced to 15 years in prison. She served less than a 
year before being released.

The two candidates also clashed on James' stance regarding using marijuana 
for medicinal purposes and proposing rehabilitation instead of 
incarceration. Needelman argued that those in prison normally are there for 
things other than simply drug use.

Needelman said the election opened his eyes.

"There are people out there running on a drug agenda," he said. "It's time 
we take a stand against this. It's time to stand up to the myths. I will be 
on the front stage against this."

Needelman announced Tuesday that he will be deeply involved with the newly 
formed Citizens for a Drug-Free Florida, here in Brevard County.

James, executive director of the Florida Cannabis Action Network, supports 
legalization of marijuana for medicinal purposes, as well as drug-policy 
reform. As a political neophyte, James said getting 33 percent of the votes 
was phenomenal. She also said this was not the end of her political career.

"Needelman will do well to represent my point of view or he will see me 
again in two years," James said, adding her opponent spent much more money 
on his campaign than she did.
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