Dole calls for stiffer anti-drug penalties
The Associated Press
July 24, 2002 11:04 am
Posted on 07/24/2002 12:07:28 PM PDT by Constitution Day
The Associated Press
Dole calls for stiffer anti-drug penalties
July 24, 2002 11:04 am
NEWTON, N.C. -- Republican Senate candidate Elizabeth Dole visited a neighborhood plagued by drugs, then said she would support stiffer penalties for using cocaine and drug-testing for teenagers who apply for drivers' licenses.
Dole said Tuesday that anti-drug efforts, from providing helicopters to the Colombian government to fostering faith-based drug treatment homes, would be a priority if she were elected to succeed Republican Sen. Jesse Helms.
"I would like to leave you today with an image -- Elizabeth Dole's vision," she said at a news conference at the old courthouse in Newton. "Imagine a legislator with the determination and passion to lead a crusade for a drug-free America."
Meanwhile, one of her six opponents in the GOP primary, Lexington attorney Jim Snyder, began running a TV commercial this week. In it, he promised to apply a litmus test for Senate confirmation of federal judges on such issues as opposing legalized abortions and allowing schoolchildren to say the Pledge of Allegiance.
"As a constitutionalist myself," Snyder said, "I will support only those judges who back life, liberty and the right of our children to pledge allegiance to our dear flag."
Dole spent the day in Catawba County, where she toured troubled neighborhoods, a jail, and a courthouse in Hickory with Sheriff David Huffman. She also visited Exodus Home, a faith-based nonprofit organization in Hickory that provides housing for recovering alcoholics and addicts.
The news conference was one of a series that Dole plans to hold across the state, highlighting her positions on various issues.
Dole said she would support increased treatment and anti-drug education programs, greater efforts to stop drug trafficking, increased penalties for crimes committed under the influence of drugs, and grants to states that require teens to be tested for drugs before they could receive a driver's license.
She also called for making the penalties for using powdered cocaine, favored by more affluent drug users, commensurate with those for crack cocaine, which is popular with poor drug users.
"Current sentencing guidelines equate one gram of crack to 100 grams of (powder) cocaine," Dole said. "It is time we end the racial and class disparities, perceived or otherwise, in drug sentencing 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."
Meanwhile, Dole was preparing for a fund-raiser Thursday with President Bush at the Grandover Resort and Conference Center in Greensboro. Bush is backing Dole, even though she still faces a Sept. 10 primary with Venket Challa, Timothy Cook, Ada Fisher, Jim Parker, Douglas Sellers and Snyder.
State Democrats criticized the president's trip, questioning why Bush wasn't visiting closed textile plants.
"President Bush is making yet another visit to North Carolina and is once again bypassing our unemployed workers to raise money for Elizabeth Dole," said Scott Falmlen, the party's executive director. "While Elizabeth Dole and the White House are busy worrying about bankrolling campaigns, North Carolina's workers are worried about their own empty bank accounts."
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Ingestion of 'ghetto' drugs bad.
The Puritan-Hippie movement has won.
NC Ping.
FRmail me to be added to or removed from this NC Ping List.
While she's at it, why not propose drug testing everyone who gets a license? After all, teenagers aren't the only ones who use drugs. Urinalysis is freedom!
While she's at it, why not propose drug testing everyone who gets a license? After all, teenagers aren't the only ones who use drugs. Urinalysis is freedom!
Possibly because teenagers don't vote...
Hey, I can understand Bob. If I was married to Liz, I'd need a viagra salt lick.
NEWTON, N.C. -- Republican Senate candidate Elizabeth Dole visited a neighborhood plagued by drugs,
In Newton?!? In Catawba County ?!? What kind of drugs do they have in that town besides maybe a few kids sniffing racing fuel and mud? We're talking about Newton, near Shuffletown up near Hickory now. Anyway, how's she going to pay for it, oh I forgot, the textile tariffs.
I would like to leave you today with an image -- Elizabeth Dole's vision," she said
No thanks, Giddy. Just thinking of you being my Senator gives me nightmares as it is
First in line should be Al Gore's kid ...
What? You mean you didn't like that photo?
It's practically wallet size!
Heh heh... that was mean, wasn't it? 
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