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.

McCaffrey will resign from drug czar post in January
October 16, 2000

Office of National Drug Control Strategy (ONDCP)
U.S. President George W. Bush

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