Marijuana Advocate to Run as Independent for KY Attorney General

Louisville, KY, Courier-Journal | 07-02-03 | Yetter, Deborah

[Theodore R.]

Galbraith aims to enter attorney general's race

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By DEBORAH YETTER dyetter@courier-journal.com The Courier-Journal

Voters seeking another option in the race for Kentucky attorney general appear to have one.

Gatewood Galbraith — Lexington lawyer, marijuana advocate and three-time unsuccessful candidate for governor — filed yesterday to run as an independent candidate and said he expects to have no trouble getting the 5,000 signatures needed to get on the November ballot.

Galbraith, 56, said yesterday he believes he offers a refreshing alternative to the party candidates Democrat Greg Stumbo, who faces various allegations about his personal life, and Republican Jack D. Wood, who was disciplined for misconduct as a former district judge and assistant county attorney.

"I think their apparent weaknesses encouraged me to enter the race,'' Galbraith said. "I think people are ready for a change.''

Galbraith also has twice run unsuccessfully for Congress and launched his first statewide campaign in 1983, when he ran for agriculture commissioner in favor of legalizing marijuana. Galbraith said he still believes in legalizing marijuana for medical use but said he, as attorney general, would support prosecuting all violations of state law.

His entry into the attorney general race sparked amazement and amusement among observers who have acknowledged Wood and Stumbo bring some personal liabilities to the race.

"I'm speechless,'' said Frankfort lawyer Phil Shepherd, a Democrat and former state natural resources secretary. "Oh man, that adds to a cast of colorful characters.''

"Oh my gosh,'' said Republican lawyer and political consultant Ted Jackson. "Just when you think it can't be any more entertaining!''

But even with the drawbacks of the other candidates, Jackson said he isn't sure Galbraith will succeed in becoming the state's top lawyer.

"I don't think Gatewood is what people think of when they think of what we need for attorney general,'' he said.

Shepherd said that while Republican party support appears lukewarm for Wood, Galbraith is probably not what some party members had in mind when they wondered about an independent candidate as an alternative.

"I don't think that Gatewood is the candidate moderate Republicans will be looking for to give them someone to vote for in place of their nominee,'' Shepherd said.

Wood, a Valley Station lawyer, said he was pleased to learn that Galbraith — known for a quick wit and folksy demeanor — has entered the race.

"That'll make the debates lively,'' Wood said. "It might make me look good.''

Stumbo could not be reached for comment.

Galbraith may have trouble shedding his past image as a maverick even though in recent years he has — apart from the marijuana issue — adopted a more conservative tone on most issues. Galbraith opposes gun control and supports lower taxes and a crackdown on political corruption.

Galbraith, like Stumbo, has been dogged by child-support problems.

The attorney general is Kentucky's top child-support enforcement official.

Galbraith acknowledged he fell behind on child-support payments in the midst of a divorce and bankruptcy more than 10 years ago. But he said he straightened out his financial problems and supported his three children, now adults.

Stumbo began paying child support last year after the mother of his 14-year-old son took him to court, alleging he reneged on previous agreements to pay support.

Galbraith said he looks forward to raising money and running a full-fledged campaign.

"I've never been more ready in my life,'' he said.

[newgeezer]

Chance of success? Might as well be Al Sharpton.

[LQDSWRD]

"I've never been more ready in my life,'' he said.


Yeah, or more high in your life either.

[MrLeRoy]

Galbraith said he still believes in legalizing marijuana for medical use but said he, as attorney general, would support prosecuting all violations of state law.

I'd rather he had said marijuana prosecutions would be his lowest priority.

[dighton]

..........

[dighton]

[jmc813]

WOD Ping

[vin-one]

step in the right direction, or just covering his rear for the election.

wonder if he will get any support.

[fieldmarshaldj]

KY politics *ping*

With all the pro-druggie freaks supporting Galbraith, this could possibly tip the AG race to GOPer Jack Wood. He's flawed, but probably better than the alternative. Galbraith harmed 'Rat Scotty Baesler when he tried to get back his old House seat, taking an unusually high 12%.

[HurkinMcGurkin]

Chance of success? Might as well be Al Sharpton.

Actually, I would think he would have much better chances. There are places in KY where nobody ever gets convicted on marijuana charges - especially State cultivation charges. Its the biggest cash crop in the State. Many families depend on it. Juries wont convict.

[MrLeRoy]

With all the pro-druggie freaks supporting Galbraith, this could possibly tip the AG race [...] Galbraith harmed 'Rat Scotty Baesler when he tried to get back his old House seat, taking an unusually high 12%.

So 12% of Kentuckians are "pro-druggie freaks"?

[fieldmarshaldj]

"So 12% of Kentuckians are "pro-druggie freaks"?"

If the bong fits...

[Pan_Yans Wife]

Isn't marijuana the largest cash crop in KY?

I haven't lived there for ten years, so I don't really remember the figures. But, I lived in Northern KY, which has more in common with Cincinnatti than rural KY.

[MrLeRoy]

"So 12% of Kentuckians are "pro-druggie freaks"?"

If the bong fits...

I'm not from Kentucky. Fine way to talk about your neighbors, though.

[cinFLA]

Feldman, Westerfield's scum attorney is on the NORML legal staff.

[MrLeRoy]

Westerfield

Who's he? I couldn't find that name in the article.

[fieldmarshaldj]

"I'm not from Kentucky. Fine way to talk about your neighbors, though."

If voters support a drug-legalization/"decriminalization" freak, they earn my unflagging scorn and contempt. You'll note I don't oppose his entry into the race, since these characters take votes from 'Rats. The more the merrier.

[MrLeRoy]

If voters support a drug-legalization/"decriminalization" freak, they earn my unflagging scorn and contempt.

Why?

[dighton]

Isn't marijuana the largest cash crop in KY?

Beats me. I thought their biggest cash crops were tobacco, horses, and moonshine.

;-)

[fieldmarshaldj]

If I'm not mistaken, since your name sounds familiar, you and I have probably discussed this already. As I have said on endless occasions, I FULLY support this War on Drugs. These substances have absolutely no place in civilized society whatsoever. All they bring is misery, destruction, and death for those that fall under its spell and for the unfortunates who have to deal with them. The "personal liberty" angle is garbage and only holds validity if you're alone on some desert island without friends or family. And, no, I do NOT use alcohol, if that indeed is your next question.