Richard Stratton, the former editor of High Times Magazine, has launched a campaign committee for a “possible run” for governor in 2014.

stratton

Stratton, who did en eight-year stint in federal prison on drug trafficking charges, sent out a statement this afternoon, acknowledging that he would be an unconventional candidate. (No kidding!).

There’s no indication as to which ballot line Stratton would seek for his gubernatorial run.

Update: As the brilliant Colin Campbell points out on the twitters, Stratton has been talking about a run for governor since July.

In the satement, Stratton said the state “simply can’t afford” to spend millions on jailing non-violent drug offedners. He indicates that he would be a strong supporter of drug-law reform and for “those who are sick of paying for the incompetence and corruption of New York State politicos.”

“Today, I’ve taken the first step towards a possible run for Governor. While I realize that I’m not exactly a household name with many New Yorkers, and my resume is by no means typical of our state’s previous overnors, I’m confident that my message will resonate with New Yorkers across the political spectrum who care about our state’s future and are looking for out-of-the-box solutions for the various problems facing New Yorkers.”

“We simply can’t afford to continue to spend millions to incarcerate the 13,000 non-violent drug offenders that are currently jailed in this state. I am committed to being the voice for New Yorkers who are interested in drug reform, marijuana law reform and, most importantly, those who are sick of paying for the incompetence and corruption of New York State politicos.”

“I’m fed up with paying for the pensions of State Senators who get sent to jail for corruption, and I am appalled at having to pay to imprison someone who was carrying marijuana. This madness needs to end. When I’m
Governor of New York, we will bring the insanity of our present war on our own people to an end”.

UPDATE (from Liz): The contact on Stratton’s press release is Brian Barrett, a Lake Placid attorney who happens to be the son of former state GOP Chairman Pat Barrett. (As you may recall, Pat Barrett co-chaired Cuomo’s 2010 campaign. Brian Barrett says his father is aware of his involvement with Stratton and continues to support Cuomo).

Also working with Stratton (as his campaign manager) is FORMER Independence Party activist/Staten Islander/Curtis Sliwa radio show producer Frank Morano.

Brian Barrett told me Stratton, who is now a screen writer with a number of Hollywood connections and credits to his name, is “serious as a heart attack” about running and will likely make a formal announcement early in 2013. He is an independent, but plans to seek the Republican line.

“I think the Democrats are in love with Cuomo right now, so there would just be no room to really challenge him in that forum,” Brian Barrett told me. “(Stratton) is a more traditional Republican with traditional Republican values, not the Christian right thing you have out there today. He’s all about less government and individual freedoms…He leans Libertarian somewhat, but he has a consistent Republican message.”

Stratton has not yet met with state GOP Chairman Ed Cox, but does have a meeting scheduled with Manhattan GOP Chairman Dan Isaacs next Thursday.

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