U.S. Marijuana Party of Illinois Takes Root

Voters in Illinois' 18th Congressional district will have a new choice on the ballot this November: Richard Rawlings of the U.S. Marijuana Party.

(PRWEB) February 8, 2004 --Mr. Rawlings' platform is very Libertarian based which is bound to attract voters from both ends of the political spectrum.

The legalization and subsequent taxation of marijuana and hemp products would be a benefit to all, not just to cannabis users. Farmers would be
able to grow hemp commercially, possibly eliminating the need for federal subsidies with the high profit margins the crop can provide. Moreover, state and local budgets would be poised for balancing, thus dramatically increasing the funding for state and local services.

Richard Rawlings says he wants to make sure medical marijuana patients have safe and legal access to their medication. He believes education is a priority. In fact, when elected Congressman, he pledges to give back half his pay received as Congressman to the elementary schools within the 18th district. Mr. Rawlings wants to build an educated state, not a prison state.

Beginning in late March, Mr. Rawlings and numerous volunteers will be collecting the signatures necessary to place the U.S. Marijuana Party of Illinois on the ballot for November's election. In any case, he plans to run, even as a write-in candidate. Look for Richard Rawlings and the U.S. Marijuana Party of Illinois to put an interesting twist on the 18th districts' political scene this year and for years to come as they prepare to overgrow the government.