Pubdate: Thu, 17 Oct 2002
Source: Arizona Republic (AZ)
Copyright: 2002 The Arizona Republic
Contact:  http://www.arizonarepublic.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/24
Author: Elvia Diaz

WEALTHY TRIO BACK MARIJUANA INITIATIVE

In their quest to loosen drug laws, three wealthy men have shelled out most 
of the $1.1 million spent so far to promote a November ballot initiative 
that would require Arizona state police to hand out free marijuana to the ill.

University of Phoenix founder John Sperling and investors George Soros and 
Peter Lewis have contributed the bulk of the money to finance Proposition 
203. The three have funded 19 initiatives in other states with a high rate 
of success.

Battleground Arizona, the group opposing the initiative, has raised 
$104,100 and spent $67,566, according to a campaign report filed last week. 
Spokesman Troy Corder said opponents aren't worried and are relying on 
people's common sense to defeat the proposal.

"We knew we were going to be outspent," said Corder, adding that their 
campaign can't afford television or radio ads. "We're not frustrated. We 
know we're on the right side."

The measure would allow residents who are seriously ill to go to the 
Department of Public Safety to get two ounces of marijuana every month. 
They would need a doctor's note. The measure also decriminalizes possession 
of small amounts of the drug.

Proposition 203 spokesman Sam Vagenas said national non-profit groups are 
spending hundreds of thousands of dollars in Arizona to try to indirectly 
persuade people to vote against the measure.

"It's not a coincidence these groups decided to run anti-marijuana ads 
right now," Vagenas said.

The 203 campaign, which is airing radio ads promoting the initiative, has 
amassed $1.3 million. As of Oct. 10, the campaign had $212,099 in cash.
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