Umberg tapped for U.S. drug post

GOVERNMENT: The Senate must confirm his nomination as a deputy drug czar.

Washington Former Orange County Assemblyman Thomas Umberg, who ran
President Clinton's reelection campaign in California, now hopes to serve
his president in another capacity as a deputy drug czar.

Clinton announced Wednesday that he intends to nominate Umberg as a deputy
director for supply reduction in the Office of National Drug Control
Policy. The post requires Senate confirmation.

"I've always enjoyed public service, and I think this an opportunity to
serve in a very unique capacity," Umberg said minutes after he received
word that the President announced the nomination. "The drug problem that
exists in the United States is one that has farreaching consequences, and
the opportunity to make a difference is very exciting for me."

Umberg, 41, is a partner in the Irvine law firm of Morrison & Foerster. He
and his family live in Villa Park. If confirmed to the $136,600 post,
Umberg would serve at Clinton's pleasure.

"Were not selling our house," said Umberg, who expects to return to Orange
County after his post ends.

Umberg's said he has had several conversations, including a facetoface
meeting, with Gen. Barry McCaffrey, who heads up Clinton's antidrug
effort. With congress in recess until after Labor Day, Umberg's nomination
cannot be considered until the fall, but he may start working in the drug
office as a consultant while waiting for the Senate to take action.

Umberg's professional history reads like he could have been in training for
the job. During his four years in the Assembly, he focused on
criminaljustice and environmental issues. While an assistant U.S. attorney
in California in the late 1980s, he prosecuted narcotics cases as well as
whitecollar crime and civil rights action. In 1994, he waged an
unsuccessful challenge to Attorney Gen. Dan Lungren.

"I have experience both in the military and in law enforcement, and this is
a mission that has components of both aspects," Umberg said.
Richard Lake
emailto:rlake@mapinc.org
http://www.drugsense.org/
http://www.mapinc.org/