Pubdate: Mon, 20 Dec 1999 Source: Associated Press Copyright: 1999 Associated Press Author: unknown Bookmark: MAP's link to New Hampshire articles is: http://www.mapinc.org/states/nh AD ALLEGES BUSH DRUG PROBLEM MANCHESTER, N.H. -- A Florida lawyer who is running for president aired a political advertisement on New Hampshire's biggest television news station on Monday, alleging Texas Gov. George W. Bush suffered from "alcohol abuse" and had a cocaine problem. Andy Martin, a West Palm Beach lawyer and perennial candidate for various political offices, is running the ad on WMUR-TV, an ABC affiliate that has aired presidential debates. The Bush campaign said it had not asked WMUR to stop running the ad. Spokesman Ari Fleischer said WMUR would have to decide that on its own. "It's part of the unfortunate nonsense that can come with political campaigns," Fleischer said. "These things are as mean-spirited as they are inaccurate." WMUR spokeswoman Julie Campasano, who handles media inquiries about the station's advertising policies, refused to answer questions about why the station accepted the ad. In the ad, Martin alleges: "George Bush had a cocaine problem. His brain suffered from alcohol abuse. Don't trust Bush with your vote until he trusts you with the truth about his past." Bush has refused to answer some questions about his past, saying only that he has not used illegal drugs since 1975. No evidence has surfaced that he ever used cocaine. Martin began airing commercials in New Hampshire before Thanksgiving, calling himself "New Hampshire's favorite son for president." Jonathan Klarfeld, a journalism professor at Boston University, said WMUR is not required to run the ad. "They get to refuse any ad they find offensive," Klarfeld said. - --- MAP posted-by: Eric Ernst