BUSH TO TAP JOHN WALTERS AS DRUG CZAR

WASHINGTON (CNN) -- Bush administration sources confirmed Monday that John
Walters will be appointed the new U.S. drug czar this week.

Walters will replace Barry McCaffrey as head of the Office of National Drug
Control Policy. It has been widely reported that Walters was among the top
candidates for the job.

Walters was a top deputy to William Bennett, drug czar in the
administration of the president's father, George Bush. He favors severe
prison sentences for violent felons, marijuana smugglers and repeat
offenders, but he views first-time drug users more leniently.

"I think it's a very good sign that this administration's serious," Bennett
told CNN on Monday.

Bennett said Taylor would support a "balanced approach" to anti-drug
policy, balancing law enforcement efforts with support for treatment, but
would still be a tough conservative.

"I think that's what most people want," he said.

President Bush is expected to make the announcement on Thursday afternoon
at a community event in Vienna, Virginia.