Pubdate: Tue, 17 Sep 2002
Source: Pantagraph, The  (IL)
Copyright: 2002 The Pantagraph
Contact:  http://www.pantagraph.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/643
Author: Kurt Erickson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization)

BLAGOJEVICH ADMITS SMOKING POT IN COLLEGE

SPRINGFIELD -- Even the best choreographed press conference can go up in 
smoke, as Democratic U.S. Rep. Rod Blagojevich discovered Monday.

Blagojevich scheduled a press conference in the Statehouse to announce he 
had been endorsed by a trade organization representing Illinois retailers.

Blagojevich, 45, of Chicago, was proud that he'd won the backing of a 
pro-business group over his Republican opponent, Attorney General Jim Ryan.

But, the announcement quickly veered off track when one reporter asked 
Blagojevich: Have you "ever used marijuana or any other illegal drug during 
your life?"

The following was the exchange between Blagojevich and reporters:

Blagojevich: "You know, that opens up a whole door of questions about what 
you've done when you're young. Did I try marijuana when I was young? The 
answer is 'yes.' Did I use any other kind of illegal drug? The answer is 'no.'"

Reporter: What were the circumstances of the marijuana? College?

Blagojevich: "You're on the right track."

Reporter: Did you inhale?

Blagojevich: "I did it (tried marijuana) twice. I'm a nonsmoker. I don't 
like it. I run. I never liked the smell of it. It was a smell that all of 
our generation are very familiar with. I'm sure I'm not the only one in 
this room who can recognize that smell."

Reporter: You don't know that you inhaled? You'd probably feel it in your 
lungs if you did.

Blagojevich: "Then I probably didn't. I just don't know. I did it twice. I 
was so inept at it, that I don't know if I did or didn't."

Reporter: Did you get the munchies?

Blagojevich: "No."

Reporter: Would you support legislation to legalize (marijuana)?

Blagojevich: "No. The evidence is this: It's a gateway drug. If kids start 
smoking it at early ages like 12 or 13, they are more likely to go on to 
more serious drugs."

A spokesman for Jim Ryan told The Associated Press that Ryan has never used 
any illegal drugs.
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