Newly elected U.S. Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) sees revamping drug policies as one of the principal issues he can champion once he takes office, and he believes he can draw bipartisan support on the issue—even among those who supported his Republican challenger in the special-election race, reports the Wall Street Journal. Booker has spoken with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid about eliminating mandatory minimum-sentencing laws for nonviolent offenders and reducing incarceration rates as a way to help save tax dollars.
He singled out Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky) as someone who sees eye-to-eye with him on th eissue. “Senator Paul would be pleased to work with any member who believes that mandatory minimum sentencing is unnecessary,” said a spokeswoman. “He looks forward to Senator Booker’s assistance on this important issue.”