July 30, 2004

CLEARING A SPOT FOR DICK CHENEY:

Weary Ridge May Step Down (CBS News, July 30, 2004)

Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge is considering stepping down after the November election, telling colleagues he is worn out from the massive reorganization of government and needs to earn money in the private sector to put his teenage children through college, officials said.

Ridge will not make a final decision until he talks to President George W. Bush later this year and is focused on thwarting the terror attacks that officials fear al Qaeda will attempt before November, Assistant Homeland Secretary Susan Neely said.

"Secretary Ridge is focused entirely on the job the president has asked him to do," Neely said Wednesday.

Several senior Homeland Security officials told The Associated Press that Ridge has indicated in recent weeks he probably will resign after the election, even if Bush wins. They spoke only on condition of anonymity, citing the delicate nature of describing private conversations with their boss.

Posted by Orrin Judd at July 30, 2004 10:25 PM
Comments

Cheney taking over Homeland Security and/or the CIA would be a good move. Still not sure I agree with Rice or Rudy as VP. As for Ridge he gets vilified but took on an enormous task and seems to have done ok. Would have liked to see him replace a lesser cabinet offical (Mineta) but can certainly understand the need to pay the college bills.

Posted by: AWW at July 31, 2004 12:14 AM

I think the job would kill Cheney ... and I wouldn't want to see that because I have admired the man since the Gulf War. Put Cheney in charge of the CIA or as an overall Capo and put a viable successor in V.P. such as Mitt Romney. Give Ridge's job to Guiliano and keep Condi where she is most effective. She's still young and needs to eventually get out and into the Congress to demonstrate her electability. She can do it.

Posted by: genecis at July 31, 2004 10:44 AM

Genecis: Although I like the idea of Condy as VP, we do need to know where she stands. But no one ever proved their suitability for the Presidency by getting elected to Congress.

Posted by: David Cohen at July 31, 2004 5:33 PM
« MAYBE HE IS NIXON: | Main | THOUSANDS OF ADVISERS BUT NO FRIENDS: »