I believe the marijuana legalization question took a predictable turn when 3rd District Democratic candidate Wendy Wilde took a thumping at the polls Nov. 7, 2006, from incumbent Rep. James Ramstad.

Watching their TV debate on "At Issue," it was clear that her pro-legalization position would either elect her or sink her congressional campaign. To his credit, Rep. Ramstad made the connection between marijuana being a gateway drug and the Minnesota meth epidemic. The Wilde campaign was finished as a result.

[continues 63 words]