Murray’s Statement on the Nomination of Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske to be Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy

(Washington, D.C.) – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA) released the following statement after Vice President Biden announced that President Obama has nominated Seattle Police Chief R. Gil Kerlikowske as Director of the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy (ONDCP).

“As someone who has worked with Chief Kerlikowske to protect our streets and invest in our kids, I am confident that President Obama has made a wise choice to lead our nation’s anti-drug efforts. Chief Kerlikowske has a proven record of fighting drug crime and working to build safe and stable communities. He has also been a valuable partner in efforts to fight the spread of meth in the Northwest.

“Fighting drug use, trafficking, and violence takes an all hands on deck approach, and Chief Kerlikowske understands how to build coalitions. As Police Chief and at the Justice Department, Chief Kerlikowske has built bridges between federal, state and local governments. I look forward to working with Chief Kerlikowske on a comprehensive policy to fight the spread of drugs in our communities.”