Medical marijuana is always one of the most interesting bills of the session. Not only does it bring together the oddest supporters (Dems, GOP, conservatives, liberals) but it brought out emotion from some of the toughest lawmakers today.
Sen. Steve Murphy broke down when he talked about his father's painful death. He said he was always a supporter of medical marijuana, but his father's death "reinvigorated" his support. The tall tough guy of the Senate, Murphy cried as he said he and the kids and grandkids would have given anything to play with his dad one more time. Rep. Tom Rukavina, also a fierce fighter in his chamber, embraced Murphy as he talked about losing his parents and hoping to alleviate some of their pain.
Sen. Linda Higgins a liberal from Minneapolis and Sen. Debbie Johnson a conservative from Ham Lake stood side by side. Johnson held a box on Kleenex in her hands. Sen. Paul Koering a Republican also had a strong statement when he said "if medical marijuana alleviates pain, who in the hell are we to say no to that?" Gov. Pawlenty and law enforcement are the ones who will say no to this because of public safety and regulation concerns. More tonight on Almanac: At the Capitol.
