Pubdate: Thu, 06 Jul 2006 Source: Bradenton Herald (FL) Copyright: 2006 Bradenton Herald Contact: http://www.bradenton.com/mld/bradenton/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/58 Cited: Florida Cannabis Action Network http://www.flcan.org Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Marijuana - Medicinal) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) HARRIS VOTE PROTEST The Florida Cannabis Action Network staged a protest at the district office of U.S. Rep. Katherine Harris, R-Longboat Key, on Wednesday to speak out against Harris' recent vote against a bill that would have supported those states that have legalized marijuana for medical purposes. According to Anthony Lorenzo, FLCAN spokesman, a group that advocates for the regimented legalization of marijuana, Harris has now voted four times against a bill that would prevent the Drug Enforcement Administration from using funds to prosecute people who use and provide marijuana for medical purposes. Lorenzo said Harris' vote stood "in stark contrast to the (Republican) Party's position of supporting states' rights." Harris was scheduled to be in Ft. Lauderdale on a campaign stop for her U.S. Senate race and was not present at the protest. Lorenzo said his group wasn't looking to speak with Harris because it had done so before without producing any change in her viewpoint. Cannabis has a documented track record aiding cancer patients with symptoms such as nausea, and helping people with diseases like ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease, by slowing down or stopping the neurodegenerative effects of the ailment, Lorenzo said. He said Manatee's other member of Congress, U.S. Rep. Jim Davis, D- Tampa, had previously opposed the DEA bill but changed his stance after talking with FLCAN. Gerry Fritz, Harris' spokesman, said the congresswoman is opposed to the legalization of any illegal drug, for medical purposes or otherwise. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake