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. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens