Pubdate: Tue, 29 Apr 2003 Source: Baltimore Sun (MD) Copyright: 2003 The Baltimore Sun, a Times Mirror Newspaper. Contact: http://www.sunspot.net/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/37 Author: David Nitkin and Stephen Kiehl Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) Note: Non-drug policy content snipped (snip) MURPHY CONTINUES CRUSADE FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA How far can Republican Donald E. Murphy ride a single issue that ranks low among the concerns of most Marylanders? One of the state's most visible proponents of decriminalizing marijuana for patients with cancer and other illnesses, Murphy says he is considering a challenge to Democratic U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings in the 7th District. "I haven't said no," said Murphy, the former Catonsville delegate who is chairman of the Baltimore County Republican Party. "The conversations are starting." Murphy said he is considering a run primarily because Cummings recently "came out against medical marijuana." A much-debated bill that drastically reduced penalties for severely ill patients who use marijuana passed the Assembly this year and is waiting to be signed by the governor. "It was a big surprise," Murphy said. "I wouldn't mind the opportunity to make him explain in public his opposition to this bill." Cummings, a popular Baltimore politician, represents a district that was altered heavily in the redistricting process to include many swing neighborhoods in Howard County. While Cummings won with 87 percent of the vote in 2000, he collected 74 percent last year - and the GOP doesn't want to give him a free pass next year. (snip) - --- MAP posted-by: Josh