Clinton Picks Umberg for Drug Control Office

President Clinton announced Wednesday that, as expected, he intends to nominate former Orange County Assemblyman Tom Umberg to become deputy director of the White House Office on National Drug Control Policy.

Umberg, 41, a litigation partner with Morrison & Foerster in Irvine, is a former assistant U.S. attorney and headed the president’s reelection campaign in California in 1996. His name will be submitted for confirmation when the Senate reconvenes in September.

If confirmed, Umberg will join national anti-drug czar Gen. Barry McCaffrey in the policy office, which coordinates the resources of 50 federal agencies to reduce the use and importation of illegal drugs in the United States. The office estimates the illicit drug trade in the U.S. at nearly $50 billion a year.

“I’m certainly honored that the president intends to nominate me for this unique opportunity to serve my country,” Umberg said Wednesday. “I’m hopeful the Senate will give me the opportunity to serve.”

Responsibilities for the $123,000-a-year job include meeting with foreign government officials on reducing the flow of illegal drugs across U.S. borders.

Umberg served as a federal prosecutor in Santa Ana from 1987 to 1990, where he earned a 100% conviction rate against narcotics offenders. He served in the Assembly from 1990 to 1994, when he became the Democratic nominee for state attorney general. He lost to incumbent Republican Atty. Gen. Dan Lungren.

The Senate currently is holding confirmation hearings on the second deputy directorship, charged with reducing demand for illegal drugs within the U.S. A fourth appointed position remains unfilled. Drug office spokesman Robert Weiner said McCaffrey has asked to be able to recommend his three top staff members.