The state of New Mexico is reported to have one of the highest rates of drug overdoses in the country. A new law signed Tuesday by Gov. Bill Richardson, who is running for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2008, provides immunity from prosecution for New Mexicans who come forward to help drug users suffering overdoses. Authorities are prevented from prosecuting on the basis of evidence “gained as a result of the seeking of medical assistance.”

The act also protects drug users themselves from prosecution if the process of seeking help for an overdose provides the only evidence against them. In the event of a drug prosecution based on outside evidence, the act allows the seeking of aid for someone suffering an overdose to be “used as a mitigating factor” in a defense.

The legislation, popularly known as the 911 Good Samaritan bill, is the first of its kind in the nation. By removing the fears associated with calling 911, it encourages drug users to seek help in the case of an overdose.

Gov. Richardson said, "I have always been committed to prevention and rehabilitation of drug users. If we can encourage people to save themselves or others from a drug-related death or trauma, then we should do that. This bill will encourage families and friends of addicts to seek medical care and prevent their loved one from dying.”

It was the second drug measure signed in two days by Gov. Richardson. On Monday, he signed a medical marijuana bill that allows patients who are HIV positive or who have diseases including AIDS, cancer, glaucoma or multiple sclerosis to relieve pain with marijuana, under a doctor’s supervision. The governor lobbied strongly for the medical marijuana bill, which he said could hurt his presidential prospects but was “the right thing to do.”

It's gratifying to see that WDW has backed the right candidate in this campaign. Gov. Richardson's compassion and his bravery for acting on principals for what he believes is right (and not necessarily what the pollsters say is most popular) is the mark of a true leader. America needs a President willing to show this kind of empathy for the disadvantaged, willing to follow his conscience rather than the party line, and willing to lead by example.

I encourage everyone to strongly consider voting for Bill Richardson for President of the United States.