Pubdate: Mon, 10 May 2004 Source: Mobile Register (AL) Copyright: 2004 Mobile Register Contact: http://www.al.com/mobileregister/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/269 Cited: Wayne Sowell http://www.waynesowell2004.org/ Cited: National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws http://www.norml.org/ WAYNE SOWELL 'STANDS OUT' ON HEMP ISSUE Birmingham resident Wayne Sowell isn't just poised to become the first black U.S. Senate candidate in Alabama history to run on a major party's ticket. He could also become one of the few major-party candidates anywhere in recent years with a passion for rewriting the nation's marijuana laws. On a campaign Web site, Sowell describes marijuana as "God's perfect plant," urges legalization for everyone 21 and older, and suggests that members of Congress take heed of the "pot vote." "We Hempsters pray for God's continued guidance and leadership in this fight," Sowell concludes. "We will fight for our Hemp rights!!." After a state Democratic Party subcommittee disqualified a would-be rival last month, Sowell is poised to be the Democratic standard-bearer this November against three-term incumbent U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby , R- Tuscaloosa. In an interview last week, Sowell, 45, acknowledged smoking marijuana as a youth but said he stopped after entering the Army and learning of the possible consequences for indulgence in the banned drug. Sowell, who listed his main priorities as improving the elementary education system and saving Social Security, backed away from his call for legalization, while continuing to support the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes and the production of hemp as a cash crop. Still, even that was welcome news to Allen St. Pierre , a spokesman for the Washington, D.C.-based National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws. Since the 1970s, only a handful of Senate candidates have endorsed decriminalization of pot, St. Pierre said. "It makes him stand out," St. Pierre said. Sowell, who has run unsuccessfully for several other offices, is seen as a longshot against Shelby. But even if his electoral aspirations go up in smoke again, Sowell maintains that change is near. "By the time I'm 50 years old, I intend for it to be legal," he said last week. "And I intend to sit around the barbecue and have me a good old time." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake