Pubdate: Thu, 22 Feb 2001
Source: Seattle Times (WA)
Copyright: 2001 The Seattle Times Company
Contact:  P.O. Box 70, Seattle, WA   98111
Fax: (206) 382-6760
Website: http://www.seattletimes.com/
Author: Frank Davies, Knight Ridder Newspapers

ADMINISTRATION HAS NO DRUG CZAR, NO CONSENSUS YET ON DRUG POLICY

The Bush administration has not yet named a new czar to lead the nation's 
war on drugs, prompting lobbying by Republican leaders, conservative groups 
and issue activists worried that delay could weaken the long struggle.

But the new administration is divided on how the drug war should be fought:

In January, President Bush told CNN he questioned some sentences, favored 
more resources for drug treatment, wanted to end the disparity in 
sentencing for crack and powder cocaine, and opposed police racial 
profiling in drug stops. "A lot of people are coming to the realization 
that long minimum sentences for first-time users may not be the best way to 
occupy jail space or heal people from their disease," he said. "And I'm 
willing to look at that."

Attorney General John Ashcroft said "reinvigorating the drug war" was one 
of his priorities. He strongly supports lengthy mandatory sentences for users.

Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said the drug problem is "overwhelmingly 
a demand problem" and questioned the need for more military involvement in 
cutting off supply.

Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson, as Wisconsin governor, 
backed some needle-exchange programs to prevent the spread of disease among 
addicts - a move strongly opposed by Ashcroft. With control of the White 
House and Congress for the first time in half a century, many Republicans 
see a chance to shape drug policy.

"It's time to use the bully pulpit again and re-engage the public debate on 
these issues," said William Bennett, the first czar in 1989.

"I've heard a lot about tax cuts (from the administration) but not drug 
policy," said Robert Maginnis, a vice president of the conservative Family 
Research Council and one of several people being considered. "I'm concerned 
because every day that's lost will have an impact on a few more kids."

A top official said Bush "is paying full attention" to filling the job and 
will have an answer soon.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens