Jim Gilmore on Drugs Senate challenger 2008; previously Republican Governor (VA)

Legalization offers legitimacy of the state

Where does he stand?
• Former Gov. Gilmore opposes the legalization of marijuana for any purpose. In 2000, he signed onto a National Governors Association policy plank that urged the federal government to increase funding for the War on Drugs and declared legalization is "not a viable alternative, either as a philosophy or as a practical reality."

What has he said?
• "I'm not a legalization guy. I think that it's not a substance, it's a lifestyle, and a quality of life and approach that I'm afraid I can't adhere to. I understand that some people are able to use marijuana in a recreational way and it probably doesn't hurt society, but at the end of the day, I don't believe we ought to be legalizing and putting the legitimacy of the state on to substance abuse. I just don't believe it." WMUR, June 19, 2015

I'm not a legalization guy

Provided more substance abuse treatment for drug offenders

Illegal drugs are not an acceptable part of our society

In its first six months, the new State Police division created as part of SABRE has made or helped make nearly 500 arrests and seize hundreds of pounds of illegal drugs. We have sent a clear message across the Commonwealth: illegal drugs are not an acceptable part of our society.

More federal funding for all aspects of Drug War.

To reduce the presence of illegal drugs, drug-related organized crime, and the adverse effects of drug and alcohol abuse in society requires a comprehensive strategy involving federal, state, and local governments. The Governors believe that one of the most severe public health threats is the recent rise in substance abuse among children.
• The Federal Role
  The profits from illicit drug trafficking can be effectively used to help state efforts to dry up the demand for these drugs. The nation’s Governors urge the President and Congress to fully fund drug and alcohol abuse education, drug courts, treatment, prevention, and law enforcement efforts, including the initiative to combat and clean up methamphetamine production laboratories, at the state and local levels of government.
• Intensified Eradication and Interdiction
  Federal funding for use of the National Guard in drug and border enforcement deserves continued support. The Governors urge the President and Congress to utilize the role of U.S. military forces in interdiction efforts.
• High-Intensity Drug Trafficking Area Program.
  The HIDTA program provides additional federal funds to those areas to help federal, state, and local law enforcement organizations invest in infrastructure and joint initiatives to dismantle drug trafficking organizations. Governors support the HIDTA initiative and urge Congress to continue supporting the program.
• The Federal Role in Reducing International Drug Trafficking.
  The nation’s Governors urge the Administration and Congress to significantly tighten procedures for certifying foreign countries for eligibility to receive U.S. aid based on their cooperation with U.S. surveillance, interdiction, and eradication efforts.
• Drug Legalization
  The nation’s Governors believe illicit drug legalization is not a viable alternative, either as a philosophy or as a practical reality.