PORTLAND – The Republican who’s running against Democratic Maine Rep. Mike Michaud says legalizing marijuana makes sense.

John Frary, a retired college professor, said in response to a question during a call-in program on Maine Public Broadcasting Network that he’s “more and more” inclined to favor legalizing marijuana and regulating the drug like alcohol.

He says those who persist with the status quo must decide whether it’s worth bending the Bill of Rights and spending the billions of dollars on enforcement.

Michaud’s spokesman, Ed Gilmore, said the incumbent takes a more conventional view. He said Michaud supports existing drug laws to protect children.