NOMINATION FOR DRUG CZAR GOES TO SENATE

Vote Of 5 Democrats Against Walters Fails To Stop Him In Committee

WASHINGTON - John Walters' nomination to lead President Bush's national
drug policy is on its way to the full Senate for approval, despite
opposition from Democrats.

Walters' nomination was sent to the Senate floor by a 14-5 vote of the
Senate Judiciary Committee.

Democrats on the committee voting against him were Senate Judiciary
Chairman Patrick J. Leahy of Vermont; former chairmen Edward M. Kennedy of
Massachusetts and Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware; and Sens. Richard J.
Durbin of Illinois and Charles E. Schumer of New York.

Walters served as acting White House drug policy director in 1993 but quit
when President Clinton announced a reorientation of anti- narcotics policy
to de-emphasize law enforcement and interdiction.

He attacked the Clinton administration's anti-narcotics ad campaigns and
advocated severe prison sentences for marijuana smugglers and repeat offenders.

While he took a softer line after his nomination, "he is ideological in a
time when our efforts to prevent drug abuse call for cooperation and
pragmatism," Leahy said.

While other Democrats agreed, they said it wasn't enough to vote against
Walters. "The standard for voting against a Cabinet member has not been
met," said Sen. Russell D. Feingold of Wisconsin.

Republicans pointed out that Walters was one of the last unconfirmed
Cabinet members, and that his position as "drug czar" could be potentially
important in fighting drug use in the country.

Sen. Jon Kyl of Arizona pointed out that Democrats confirmed Attorney
General John Ashcroft's nomination despite harboring doubts about how
Ashcroft would use the position.