Pubdate: Wed, 24 Jul 2002
Source: Charlotte Observer (NC)
Section: POLITICAL NOTEBOOK | U.S. SENATE
Copyright: 2002 The Charlotte Observer
Contact:  http://www.charlotte.com/mld/observer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/78
Author: Jim Morrill

DOLE CALLS FOR REVIVAL OF ANTI-DRUG SENTIMENT

NEWTON - Republican U.S. Senate candidate Elizabeth Dole said Tuesday she'd 
push for tougher sentences for users of powdered cocaine, sentences now 
shorter than those for the less-expensive crack cocaine.

Critics argue current law often leads to harsher penalties for minorities 
convicted of using crack.

"It is time we end the racial and class disparities, perceived or otherwise 
... and show that drug use will not be tolerated whether you are a wealthy 
banker on Wall Street or a gang member on any street," Dole told an 
audience at the old Catawba County courthouse.

"We need an all-out revival of our crusade to rid America of illegal 
drugs," she said. "I will be a champion for this cause."

Dole, who also visited a Catawba County rehab facility, touted her record 
as Secretary of Transportation in starting random drug testing for air 
traffic controllers and others in safety positions, and as Secretary of 
Labor in helping steer young people from drugs.

She said she supports efforts to choke off the supply of drugs in South and 
Central America. Dole also promised to push for more Border Patrol agents 
to stop drug smuggling, tougher penalties for drug-related crimes and more 
grants to states that test teens for drugs before issuing them a driver's 
license.

Fisher to picket Dole's fund-raiser

Republican U.S. Senate candidate Ada Fisher plans to picket Thursday's 
presidential fund-raiser for rival Elizabeth Dole.Fisher said she plans to 
be at Greensboro's Grandover Resort when President Bush stumps there for 
Dole Thursday night. Her signs will say, "BUSH DOLE VISITS WRONG, TAXPAYERS 
PAY" and "NAFTA and FAST TRACK WRONG, NC PAYS!"

Fisher is one of six GOP candidates opposing Dole in the Sept. 10 primary.

"How long will the citizens of North Carolina and the media continue to 
allow only candidates with name recognition to coast in the U.S. Senate 
race while ignoring others on the issues important to this state?" she said.

"Why won't the press, the League of Women Voters and others who claim to 
believe in democracy sponsor pre-primary debates to let the voters decide 
who really is going to be about serving the best interest of North Carolina?"

Dole has declined to debate her GOP rivals.

Dole to appear at women's meeting

Elizabeth Dole will be in Charlotte today for a Women for Dole fund-raising 
luncheon.

The event starts at 11:30 a.m. at the Marriott City Center, 100 West Trade 
St. Tickets start at $35. 
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom