Thought all would like an update, looking good in Washington----
Regards, and VICTORY in Nov.---note: with this many signatures a ballot
slot is assured.
George Bakan, Chair, Medical Marijuana NOW!!
Hi Hemp Talk:
I just returned from the office of the Secretary of State, where we delivered more than 250,000 signatures to place Initiative 692, the Washington State Medical Use of Marijuana act on the November 3 ballot.
There has been a misconception, in my opinion, that this signature drive
didn't involve local, Washington-based activists. On behalf of the campaign,
I would like to thank all of those who were involved. I know many on this
list were working feverishly to collect signatures right to
the end. Your efforts were important. I wish I could thank each of
you individually, but a big thanks needs to go to Dr. Dave Edwards. His
work ethic is inspiring.
In addition, I know several of you worked to donate money to various
causes. I am hopeful that this had a positive impact on the organizations
receiving the donations. Anyone have some input on amounts that this may
have generated for local causes? Again, this is another example of how
local activists became involved and helped get this issue placed before
the voters.
Politics is a difficult game. Many of us have worked hard in many different
ways to move this issue forward for the patients who need it. I applaud
the efforts that all of you have made, are making, and will continue to
make as we move towards November. From the group who met to
help shape and finalize the language (specific thanks to Robert Lunday
and George Bakan, and many others) to those who organized and lobbied at
the state Democratic convention, to the myriads of you who worked long
hours gathering signatures, and the many hours that many of you will spend
lobbying your friends, co-workers, families, and others to help garner
support for the November ballot.
This is an exciting time to be moving this issue forward. Polling tells
us that we have popular support for the language and content of the initiative.
Momentum seems to be building on all fronts. We have received some very
positive feedback from the process of garnering endorsements, and hope
to be able to publicly announce some great ones soon. Several
states across the country are also going to be voting on this issue
in November, and this will increase the momentum once again.
Washington Citizens for Medical Rights continues to gain strength and momentum. We have hired Sue Tupper to lead our strategy. Sue is one of the most respected political consultants in Washington. She is committed to this cause, and working with us to ensure that we secure a victory in November. We can all be proud that she is on board, and confident that this campaign will be professionally administered.
I want to thank those of you who have specifically called, or emailed us to express your support of our efforts. I know there is some disagreement as to campaign strategies and procedures. We have one goal in mind: victory in November. We are working hard to that end, and consulting the best minds in the state. I hope we can all put our differences aside, and remember who the real enemies are: those individuals who stand in the way of allowing the medical use of marijuana for patients who need it.
Again, thanks. Your efforts have been noticed. Let's move forward together towards victory in November.
Timothy W. Killian
Campaign Manager
Initiative 692
Washington Citizens for Medical Rights
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em: cdpr@eventure.com
url: http://www.eventure.com/I692
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Postal Box 2346
Seattle, WA 98111
ph: 206.781-7716
fx: 206.324.3101