LILLEHAUG PROPOSES CHANGING SHAPE OF DRUG WAR

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate David Lillehaug wants to change the war on
drugs so more addicts spend time in treatment rather than prison. He wants
to change both the name of the federal program and priorities for the
federal money.

"This is not really a war, it is a major public health problem, "Lillehaug
said at a Capitol news conference Tuesday.

The former U.S. attorney is among many DFLers seeking the party' s
endorsement and nomination. All want to challenge incumbent Republican Sen.
Rod Grams in 2000.

Lillehaug believes the $18 billion the federal government spends annually
on fighting drugs is misdirected. Right now, about $12 billion is spent on
enforcement and $6 billion is spent on education and treatment.

He believes spending on enforcement and treatment should at least be equal.
For $7 billion annually, all those who need treatment could receive it, he
said. But right now only 2 percent of the 16 million alcoholics and addicts
covered by health plans receive what he called " adequate treatment."

He supports the chemical dependency parity bill introduced by Sen. Paul
Wellstone, D-Minn., and Rep. Jim Ramstad, R-Minn. The bill would prohibit
discriminatory caps on coverage, higher deductibles and co-payments, and
limited treatment stays.

Lillehaug also wants to change federal sentencing guidelines to equalize
the grams of a substance required to trigger mandatory minimum sentences.
Current guidelines vary widely by drug. Lillehaug said many people end up
sentenced to long mandatory minimum sentences they don't deserve.

He also wants federal prosecutors to focus on the worst drugs: heroine,
crack, cocaine and methamphetamines. Lillehaug said marijuana enforcement,
except in cases of widespread distribution, should be left to the states.

Although Lillehaug believes treatment rather than incarceration is a
preferred method of fighting the drug war, he doesn't favor legalization.