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.