Czar's Resignation Leaves Uncertainty

The resignation of White House drug czar Barry McCaffrey, effective Jan. 6, 2001, has left supporters of the $1 billion antidrug campaign uncertain of the future.

McCaffrey, who has directed the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy for about five years, has staunchly defended the campaign during seven Congressional hearings and two General Accounting Of-fice audits.

He also fended off attacks from lawmakers and public-advocacy groups that charged a social-marketing campaign funded with taxpayer money should spend more on ethnic media and include alcohol.

“I think we have lost a huge advocate for the campaign,” said Alan Levitt, a senior adviser at ONDCP and director of the campaign.

While the initiative has bipartisan support in Congress, the intense scrutiny of McCaffrey’s effort has taken a toll.