Pubdate: Tue, 16 Nov 1999 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 1999 Albuquerque Journal Contact: P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, N.M. 87103 Website: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Author: Associated Press GOP TAKES OWN DRUG STANCE Worried about fallout from Republican Gov. Gary Johnson's support for drug legalization, a state GOP leadership group is calling for tougher penalties for supplying drugs to children. State GOP chairman John Dendahl said the party's executive committee wasn't reprimanding Johnson for taking a position contrary to the national Republican platform. "No, the executive committee is not spanking the governor," Dendahl said. The executive committee approved a resolution Saturday in Taos that reiterated the 1996 national platform against drug legalization and expressed support for tougher laws in New Mexico against providing illegal drugs to children. It's the second time the leadership panel has publicly tried to distance the party from Johnson's position on drugs. In July, when Johnson was advocating only a public debate on decriminalizing some drug use, the executive committee urged the governor not to advocate lifting any penalties in New Mexico for drug-related crimes. Later, Johnson expanded his position by supporting the legalization of marijuana, heroin and other drugs as a national policy. However, Johnson says he won't propose such a change in state law. Dendahl said many Republicans continue to be troubled that Johnson's support for drug legalization may be misunderstood by children. "There have been too many reports of kids dodging behind the current dialogue on drug policy, pretending the governor has said drug use is OK," Dendahl said in a written statement. "Whatever anyone thinks about adults making choices, all agree drugs and booze are simply not an option for our youth." Dendahl said the executive committee did not endorse a specific proposal for increased penalties for selling or providing drugs to children. But Dendahl said, "Speaking personally, even hanging might be too kind of a fate for someone who hooks kids on this stuff." Johnson, throughout his campaign for drug law changes, has maintained he's not encouraging children to use drugs. He also says his current lifestyle should serve as a role model for children to avoid drugs. He is an avid athlete who doesn't drink alcohol, smoke or use drugs. Johnson has acknowledged he smoked marijuana -- and used cocaine three times -- more than 20 years ago. Diane Kinderwater, the governor's spokeswoman, said there would be penalties against supplying drugs to children even if adults could legally use drugs as Johnson advocates. "Under a legalized scenario, it will always be illegal to deal drugs to children," said Kinderwater. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake