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Attorney John Morgan challenges medical marijuana opponent to debate on Channel 9

ORLANDO, Fla. — Attorney John Morgan is behind a medical marijuana initiative, and he is challenging businessman Mel Sembler to a debate on Channel 9.

Sembler is a former U.S. ambassador and a real estate developer from the Tampa area, and he's also the chief opponent to medical marijuana.

Sembler has been called an anti-drug crusader and has pledged to begin a fundraising drive to defeat the medical marijuana initiative.

Morgan called him "Mel the moocher" on social media.

“Mel Sembler is good at putting on knee pads and asking for money. If he's so rich, if he's so influential and believes in this so much, put your own money up,” said Morgan.

Sembler nor his organization responded to Channel 9's request for an interview or comment, and that left the door open for Morgan to take his medical marijuana opponent to task. 
"Mel Sembler is a misguided 90-year-old man who wants to stir up trouble, but he's not going to get to live in the shadows this time.”

On Twitter, Morgan posted, “I don't think Mel Sembler has any money. Why does he not write a check for $10 million?  It's his cause. Step up big boy and match my $7 million.”
“John, this sounds like almost a page out the Donald Trump playbook,” said Channel 9’s Greg Warmoth. 
“I said I'm channeling Donald Trump tongue-(in)-cheek,” Morgan said. “Here's my invitation: if he has any guts, debate me here (Channel 9). Mel Sembler if you have any guts, any courage, you come here or any station, we prefer this one, or anywhere, an hour show. I will make minced meat. He will wish he never showed up. He will bring a knife to a gun fight, ads that are lies."
Morgan said that people should look up Sembler's past with a string of drug treatment centers such as Straight Inc., which Morgan said were "torturing" teens.

Cox Media Group

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