Pubdate: Mon, 24 Sep 2012
Source: Denver Post (CO)
Copyright: 2012 Associated Press
Contact:  http://www.denverpost.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/122

MARIJUANA-LEGALIZATION EFFORTS IN COLORADO, WASH. DRAW BIG DONORS

Pro-marijuana donors with deep pockets are pouring millions into 
legalization measures on the ballot in Washington and Colorado, but 
they appear to be bypassing a similar pot campaign in Oregon.

Marijuana-legalization advocates connected with billionaire donors 
George Soros and Peter Lewis say the Oregon measure doesn't appear as 
politically attractive as it is in the two other states, the 
Oregonian reported. In Washington, two recent polls show a majority 
favoring legalization.

Oregon's Measure 80 has not polled nearly as well, which is a "cause 
for concern and a disincentive" to donate money, Ethan Nadelmann, a 
prominent national opponent of the nation's drug laws, told the 
newspaper. He heads Drug Policy Action, a New York-based nonprofit 
that donated $715,000 in Washington and another $90,000 in Colorado.

In Colorado, committees supporting marijuana legalization reported 
raising $1.1 million as of Sept. 12. Most of the money came from 
Lewis, who has donated $876,000 to Amendment 64.

A Sept. 9-12 SurveyUSA poll conducted for KATU Sept found 37 percent 
supported marijuana legalization in Oregon. Another 41 percent were 
opposed, and 22 percent were undecided.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom