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Marijuana Emerging As An Election Issue
Traditionally, candidates for elected office have shied away from discussing marijuana, seeing it as a marginalized, third-rail issue that’s dangerous to touch. This year, however, more politicians have noticed that a growing number of voters actually support marijuana reform. A record number of candidates have decided that taking positive positions can help, and won’t hurt, at the ballot box.
Here’s a rundown of U.S. Senate races where marijuana is playing a role:
In Colorado, Sen. Mark Udall has told the feds to “butt out” of Colorado’s marijuana law, pushing for legal access to banking services for marijuana businesses. His opponent, Cory Gardner, has repeatedly voted against House amendments that would de-fund DEA raids on state-legal medical marijuana businesses.
In Kansas, Sen. Pat Roberts says legalizing marijuana is a state decision, while his opponent, independent Greg Orman, has called the overall drug war a failure.
In New Jersey, Sen. Cory Booker has led bipartisan efforts to scale back the federal war on drugs and let states set their own marijuana laws without interference. His opponent, Jeff Bell, on the other hand, ridiculed Booker during a recent debate for being endorsed by NORML.
In Kentucky, Sen. Mitch McConnell opposes legalization but, in partnership with Sen. Rand Paul, has led efforts to let the state’s farmers grow hemp without federal interference. His opponent, Alison Lundergan Grimes, says she thinks it’s time to at least discuss legalizing medical marijuana.
In Oregon, Sen. Jeff Merkley says he’s leaning toward supporting the legalization initiative that’s on his state’s ballot. His opponent, Monica Wehby, says, “We should wait and see what happens in Colorado and Washington.”
On the House side of the U.S. Capitol, where every member is up for reelection every two years, there has been a flurry of marijuana legislation being voted on during the past session of Congress.
Source: http://truthisscary.com/2014/11/marijuana-emerging-as-an-election-issue/
