Bill Bennett reportedly going to CNN

ATLANTA, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Conservative talk show host Bill Bennett plans to join CNN as a political analyst, it was reported Saturday.

Bennett, formerly of Fox News, would fill a void left by the departure of Robert Novak from CNN, Mediabistro.com reported.

Bennett, a former Education Secretary and drug czar, came under fire earlier this year when he said the crime rate could be reduced by aborting "every black baby in this country" -- although he said it would be morally wrong to do so.

Members of Congress called on Bennett to apologize and the White House condemned his remarks.

A CNN publicist refused to confirm Bennett's new role at the cable news channel.