BRUNING VOWS METH BATTLE

State Sen. Jon Bruning said Tuesday he'd target the methamphetamine drug
market as attorney general.

"Nebraska's meth problem has become a scourge on our society," the
Republican nominee said at a Lincoln news conference.

Efforts to combat methamphetamine would be one of his priority initiatives
if he is elected this fall, he said.

Bruning said he'd focus on elimination of meth labs, a plan to reduce costs
associated with cleaning up busted labs, increased public awareness of the
problem and coordination with law enforcement officers and retailers.

"This is an extremely addictive drug," Bruning said. "Any fool can make it
in their basement or barn."

Meth lab busts have increased from 10 in 1998 to 207 in 2001, he said.
Almost 200 busts already have occurred this year.

Nebraska should consider the Missouri model of positioning hazardous waste
bunkers across the state to reduce costs of cleaning up busted labs,
Bruning said.

Bruning did not propose any change in the recently beefed-up penalty structure.

"In most cases, we have stiff penalties and I want judges to have the
ability to make that decision," he said.

Bruning's other policy initiatives include protecting the elderly from
physical and financial abuse; addressing domestic violence and victims'
rights; and expanding consumer protection.