Democrats Attack Martinez at Hearing : Narcotics: Nominee for drug policy post is criticized over handling of law enforcment problems while serving as Florida governor.

As hearings on his nomination to head the nation’s drug war began, former Florida Gov. Bob Martinez drew sharp criticism Tuesday from Democrats on the Senate Judiciary Committee for his handling of drug law enforcement and treatment in his home state.

Martinez sidestepped some policy questions and, citing lack of information, would not answer others. He refused to pledge not to engage in political campaigning while serving as director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy, and this prompted the usually mild-mannered Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.) to say he would vote against confirmation.

Nevertheless, Martinez, who repeatedly cited his close ties with President Bush (whose son Jeb chaired his unsuccessful reelection bid in Florida last year) appeared headed for committee approval and Senate confirmation.

Sen. Edward M. Kennedy (D-Mass.), referring to sharp drops in time served by violent criminals in Florida prisons while Martinez was governor, said: “We have to ask ourselves what are we getting, with your kind of understanding of the problem.”

As Martinez left office early this year, Florida led the nation in its incarceration and violent crime rates, but was 21st among the states in per-capita spending for drug treatment, Kennedy said.

Martinez said that he faced “an almost Catch-22 situation” because he was criticized both for building new prisons and for too many early releases. He cited his support of alternatives, such as house arrest for felons and “boot camp” for first offenders.

Pressed by Kennedy, Martinez said: “Everyone who wants (drug) treatment ought to have it.”

Under questioning from Sen. Arlen Specter (R-Pa.), he declined to endorse shifting the current federal spending policy--70% for enforcement and related supply-side activities and 30% to reduce demand--to a 50-50 emphasis.

Martinez attempted to avoid a direct answer by citing the Administration’s proposal of an 11% boost in anti-drug funds. “You don’t necessarily measure quality by dollars spent,” he said.

Martinez also sidestepped Specter’s suggestion that he go on record as opposing Colombia’s anticipated shift away from extraditing drug traders He said he had not had the briefings he would need to address such a sensitive issue.

Martinez supported the Administration’s opposition to outlawing assault weapons, saying he was not certain a ban would reduce crime. Those bent on violence could use other weapons, he said.

Simon cited a report in Tuesday’s St. Petersburg Times, which said Martinez served on the board of Key Bank of Florida from 1979 until 1986, when the Tampa bank made more than a dozen loans to four individuals linked to a drug organization.

Martinez said he did serve on the bank board while he was mayor of Tampa, but was not a member of any loan committee and had no knowledge of any such notes.

Martinez denied that his appointment was a payoff to a faithful party member defeated at the polls. He said he probably would have left public life had he not been offered the job, and added: “I’m here because I believe in this very deeply.”