Governor to redouble drug efforts.

Byline: Deborah Baker The Associated Press

SANTA FE Gov. Gary Johnson has vowed to redouble his drug-legalization education efforts despite the misgivings of fellow Republicans running for office this year.

"It shouldn't be a Republican issue," Johnson said.

The governor said voters are smart enough to separate his position on drugs from that of candidates Republican or Democrat who disagree with him.

Legislators "aren't getting beat up like I'm getting beat up," Johnson said Tuesday in an interview.

"I don't want to not talk about the issue and have people believe that somehow I'm shying away from my beliefs," he added.

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