Is pot the new gay marriage for the GOP?

[unhappycamper]

http://www.politico.com/story/2015/01/marijuana-gop-114786.html



Republicans struggle to find their footing on an issue that resonates with younger voters.

Is pot the new gay marriage for the GOP?
By Jonathan Topaz
1/31/15 9:06 AM EST

Marijuana is shaping up to be the new gay marriage of GOP politics — most Republicans would rather not talk about it, except to punt to the states.

But when it comes to the 2016 presidential race, a series of legalization ballot initiatives — and a certain outspoken Kentucky senator — could make it harder for the Republican field to avoid the conversation.

When asked to articulate their positions on recreational marijuana, several potential GOP 2016 candidates have tried to strike a tricky balance: stress the downsides of pot use and the upsides of states’ rights. Some have indicated their openness to decriminalizing pot, at least in their state, but none favors outright legalization.

For instance, former Texas Gov. Rick Perry, who took steps toward decriminalizing pot in his state, declared last year: “I am a staunch promoter of the 10th Amendment. States should be able to set their own policies on abortion, same-sex marriage and marijuana legalization.”

--

Once Republican Governors 'discover' that Colorado made a shitload of $$$$$$ selling pot, they'll be out trolling for their own $$$$$$.

[Dawgs]

1. I hope so. I would love for the legalization of it to spread like gay marriage is spreading. n/t

[DonViejo]

2. I'm not so sure pot will become the "new" gay marriage for the GOP...

Right now I'm thinking there will be three issues for the GOP; vaccinations, pot and gay marriage itself, which will have them rattled. Gay marriage will remain an issue, albeit smaller, even if the Supremes rule in favor of it. Already Huckabee, Ben Carson and others are telling states to either ignore a favorable gay marriage ruling or, impeach the judges supporting it. The issue of vaccinations seems to be snowballing into a big time uproar that just might roll into a few party platforms next Summer.