Pubdate: Sun, 29 Aug 1999 Source: Albuquerque Journal (NM) Copyright: 1999 Albuquerque Journal Contact: P.O. Drawer J, Albuquerque, N.M. 87103 Website: http://www.abqjournal.com/ Author: Michael Coleman, Journal Politics Writer N.M. REPUBLICANS UPSET WITH JOHNSON CRUSADE SANTA FE -- Gov. Gary Johnson's call for national debate on drug decriminalization has given New Mexico Republicans a "black eye," a longtime state senator said last week. "This is a black eye and an embarrassment to good solid Republicans," said Sen. Billy McKibben, R-Hobbs. Johnson, a Republican pushing for a national debate on legalizing certain drugs, discussed the issue on several national television news programs last week. McKibben said the governor should focus on creating jobs or lowering taxes, not legalizing drugs. He said many Republican lawmakers are "disgusted beyond belief" with Johnson's latest crusade. "I would hope the governor would concentrate on more important subjects that are not so degrading to the Republican Party," McKibben said. "He has diluted his credibility." At a Capitol news conference last week, Johnson said drug policy reform is supported by many private citizens, but it is unpopular with politicians. "There is absolutely zero political support," Johnson acknowledged. Some Republican state legislators complained that Johnson's drug proposal surfaced in the media before they knew about it. Rep. Jeannette Wallace, R-Los Alamos, said she was "disappointed, but not surprised" that Republicans were caught off guard by Johnson's call for a debate on drug policy. "I'm not sure he's ever talked to us a whole lot about anything," Wallace said. Johnson pleaded "guilty" to failing to consult with Republican legislative leaders before his proposal was made public. Johnson said he is concerned that his relationship with Republican lawmakers - -- who have been important allies in upholding his vetoes against the Legislature's Democratic majorities -- could be damaged by the drug issue. "That's a reality, it's a fact, it's happening," said Johnson, who refused to elaborate. Senate Minority Leader L. "Skip" Vernon, R-Albuquerque, said Johnson isn't obligated to consult party members before taking on an issue. "But I want to distinguish obligation from courtesy," Vernon said. House Minority Leader Ted Hobbs, R-Albuquerque, defended the governor's right to raise the drug issue, but conceded it is not helpful "in holding everybody (in the Republican Party) together." However, Hobbs predicted most Republicans will continue to support Johnson. "We will stand behind him on most issues," Hobbs said. Rep. Ron Godbey, R-Albuquerque, also called the issue "embarrassing." "It's extremely embarrassing to the party by virtue of the fact that the national platform condemns illegal drugs," Godbey said. The state Republican Party's executive committee sent Johnson a letter in late July, reminding Johnson of the national party's anti-drug platform. The platform calls for strict criminal penalties for drug crimes, especially for those convicted of drug trafficking. Vernon said Republicans worry about the effect Johnson's drug rhetoric will have on their campaigns in 2000. "We don't want to be defined as pro-legalization" Vernon said. "If the public is misled into believing that because the governor says he's in favor of legalizing drugs then all Republican legislators are in favor of it, then the public is wrong." Journal Staff Writer Loie Fecteau contributed to this report. - --- MAP posted-by: Jo-D