Feb. 19--Here's the latest debate in the race to become governor: Is cocaine a recreational drug or something more sinister? The

back-and-forth arose this week after Republican candidate Pete Domenici Jr. acknowledged he had used "recreational drugs" -- cocaine and marijuana, specifically -- more than 20 years ago. He was speaking on 770 KKOB radio.

The state Democratic Party was quick to respond, calling it inappropriate to characterize cocaine as only a "recreational drug." Domenici's camp, in turn, quipped that the drug is certainly not "medicinal" -- a reference to the debate over medical marijuana.

Domenici's admission came after a caller to the Jim Villanucci radio show asked whether he'd ever used drugs. Domenici said it was a fair question and that, yes, he had.

"I grew up in the '70s, early '80s," said Domenici, who's 50. "I, unfortunately, did recreational drugs. To be candid, I've done marijuana and cocaine in the '70s, early '80s."

Villanucci said President Barack Obama had acknowledged similar drug use.

"That doesn't justify it," Domenici said. "That doesn't make me proud of it."

He went on to say that youngsters should know that drug use may have unexpected consequences.

"I would tell kids and parents, too, that (using drugs) is a practice to be discouraged," Domenici said. "The concept of experimenting is part of grow- ing up, but the concept of listening to elders and listening to other people is also part of growing up. You don't have to learn by experience."

T he Democrat ic Pa r ty released a statement from Santa Fe County Sheriff Greg Solano and 13th Judicial District Attorney Lemuel Martinez.

"Cocaine is not a recreational drug, plain and simple," the statement said. "It's extremely unfortunate that a candidate for governor would downplay the harmful nature of such an addictive and deadly drug."

Domenici campaign director Doug Antoon said the problem with cocaine has always been recreational use and that it's not considered "medicinal."

One expert, William R. Miller, emeritus distinguished professor of psychology and psychiatry at the University of New Mexico, said he had "no problem" with Domenici's comment.

"Good for him for telling the truth," he said.

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