RICK ROMLEY BEING CONSIDERED FOR U.S. DRUG CZAR

Maricopa County Attorney Rick Romley is under consideration to replace U.S.
drug czar Barry McCaffrey, Romley's office confirmed Monday.

The job opened early in January when McCaffrey stepped down after five
years as head of the Office of National Drug Control Policy.

The Cabinet-level agency spends nearly $500 million a year on drug
treatment and enforcement and coordinates $19 billion of federal-agency and
military campaigns against drug smuggling and money laundering - mostly
along U.S. borders and in South America.

"We understand Mr. Romley is being considered," said Barnett Lotstein,
Romley's special assistant. "It's an honor. He has not been asked to go to
Washington for any interviews at this point."

Romley declined to comment directly on the situation.

Discussions about a replacement for McCaffrey have been under way since
December among officials of the Bush administration.

Maricopa County Supervisor Don Stapley said the National Association of
Counties endorsed Romley for the post shortly after Bush's inauguration.

The Board of Supervisors would name any replacement if Romley, a veteran of
12 years in his elected office, resigns.

"He certainly is capable of doing the job," board Chairwoman Jan Brewer
said. "He has served the county well."

Romley has testified several times before Congress on Maricopa County's
diversion program. It lifts drug charges for users who complete
court-ordered treatment.

"I wish him luck if he gets the job," said Sheriff Joe Arpaio, a veteran of
32 years in federal drug enforcement who has had a cool political
relationship with Romley. "Washington's gain is Arizona's loss."