It looks like the referendum to legalize recreational marijuana will be on the ballot this coming election. The question many are asking: how will the pot vote affect the rest of the ballot?

Joel Heitkamp, host of the "News and Views" talk show heard on KLXX SuperTalk 1270 in Bismarck-Mandan, took up the subject Tuesday (7/24).

It's a titillating question. One might assume that the advocates of legalization would lean leftward, politically, and would therefore be more likely to vote for Democratic Senatorial candidate (and incumbent) Heidi Heitkamp.

But it's not necessarily that simple. Many advocates of pot legalization consider themselves conservative, or libertarian. It's significant that in the past prominent right-wingers such as Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) have pushed for relaxation of anti-pot laws, if not out-and-out legalization.

Meanwhile, some of the most vocal opponents of legalization (or de-criminalization) have been Democratic progressives, such as New York Mayor Bill deBlasio. New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo, a long-time opponent of legalization, has called for a study of the issue.

Assuming the pot bill is on the ballot this November, how will the people vote, and who, if anyone would it benefit? Your thoughts on the question are welcome.

 

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