Ex-N.M. Gov Johnson to speak at pot gala

WASHINGTON, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Organizers of a marijuana-legalization fundraiser in Washington say former New Mexico Gov. Gary Johnson will appear along with comedy legends Cheech and Chong.

Johnson will be the featured speaker at the 15th annual gala sponsored by the Marijuana Policy Project, a group seeking the legalization of pot nationwide.

The former governor's appearance is significant since he is considered a potential 2012 Republican presidential candidate, the Albuquerque Journal said Wednesday.

The newspaper said Johnson quit drinking and smoking marijuana some 20 years ago but has supported legalization as a means of curbing spending in the criminal-justice arena.

Joining Cheech, Chong and the governor will be Rep. Steve Cohen, D-Tenn.

Rob Kampia, executive director of the MPP, said 2009 was a banner year for the legalization movement.

"Perhaps 2010 will be the year our politicians finally get on board with the rest of America and once and for all end our country's failed marijuana policies," Kampia said.