With several cannabis decriminalization and legalization initiatives on this November's ballot in various states, the Democratic party is quietly hoping (without openly endorsing) that they will bring out more Democrats to vote. They are expecting more women, latinos and "surge voters" to come out in response to the initiatives. While women and "surge voters" (people who don't usually vote but came out to vote for Obama), are expected to vote for the initiatives, they expect Latinos to vote mostly against it. Source: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/08/02/could-pot-drive-turnout-i_n_667001.html
"without openly endorsing" <--- and this is what's wrong with the party. most of their supporters are the young(er) voters now. and they overwhelmingly don't see a point to marijuana prohibition. why are they still ignoring this issue? And damn, many of them are still protecting the idea of escalating the war on drug's users. Sure, if the Democratic party came out in open support of marijuana decriminalization / legalization they might lose a few supporters. But they would enthuse many, many more. And most importantly it would be the voters that could be their base for years to come. Not to mention that reform for marijuana laws is something that's logical. And the Democratic party usually tends to support what's logical vs. xenophobic ideas and moral enforcement. At this point in time they have no reason to hide from it... the tide is turning in favor of supporting reform. I guess it just goes along with the current theme of the Democratic party Democrats = well meaning but spineless.