Pubdate: Wed, 04 Jan 2006
Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 The Vancouver Sun
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477
Author: Gordon Hamilton
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada)

EMERY URGES POT PARTY TO PULL OUT, BACK NDP

B.C. Marijuana Advocate Is Working For Svend Robinson

Pot politics is colouring the Vancouver Centre election campaign 
after B.C. marijuana advocate Marc Emery urged the federal Marijuana 
party candidate to pull out in favour of the NDP's Svend Robinson.

But candidate Heath Campbell said Tuesday he is staying, despite 
pleas from Emery, founder of the B.C. Marijuana party, that Robinson 
needs every vote. Emery, whose provincial headquarters is in the 
riding, is not running and is supporting Robinson. He has said he 
intends to work for him.

The split has pitted the B.C. party, which backs the NDP, against the 
federal party with its more radical anti-establishment agenda. It is 
running about 20 candidates across Canada.

Campbell said Tuesday Emery asked him to withdraw at a meeting 
Monday. "Officially, for their purposes, I am considering their 
offer. But unofficially, I have no intention of stepping down."

Emery is Canada's best-known marijuana activist, having run for 
Vancouver mayor. He faces extradition to the U.S. after his 
Vancouver-based seed distribution business was busted last summer.

Emery was a candidate in Vancouver Centre in the 2000 election, 
attracting 1,116 votes. He did not run in 2004, after agreeing to 
support the NDP.

Robinson, a former Burnaby MP, is in a tight race with Liberal 
incumbent Hedy Fry for the seat in the diverse urban riding.

"It's a very close race and if 500 votes go to the Marijuana party 
that might have otherwise gone to the NDP, they could lose the 
election, said Marijuana party of Canada leader Blair Longley, who 
expects his candidate to stay the course.

Robinson's campaign manager, Sean Hill, agreed the race is tight but 
said there is no connection between the NDP and the B.C. Marijuana party.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman