Posted on 07/02/2003 9:38:17 AM PDT by 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.
"Marijuana addiction is a phenomenon experienced by more than 150,000 individuals each year who enter treatment for their proclaimed addiction to marijuana."
Gotta be a joke, even their own website eludes calling it an actual addiction!
Quite simply these centers are the direct result of court ordered "treatment" and have only recently realized that if they want to keep their jobs there had better be something a bit more permanent than court ordered treatment.....viola...addiction!
BTW, I don't need help, don't smoke it, toke it, snort it etc.....
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