Reply #135: Another Reason Why * Has To Go

[Me.]

A Bush second term could find Rumsfeld, Ashcroft missing

<<<snip>>>
"Public talk about the second-term lineup is verboten around the White House, since officials realize it would look presumptuous with the race so close. But Chief of Staff Andrew H. Card Jr. and senior adviser Karl Rove have a mental list of likely switches, according to colleagues, and people close to the White House are chattering about the possibilities.
Many speculate that Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld would depart if Bush wins, though perhaps after he remained a while longer in hopes of seeing improved conditions in Iraq. Rumsfeld's likely replacement? Condoleezza Rice, the President's national security adviser, who would be the first female Pentagon chief.
According to Republicans, the most logical successors to Rice would be Deputy Secretary of Defense Paul D. Wolfowitz, an architect of the Iraq war who might be chosen if Bush were feeling vindicated; I. Lewis Libby, chief of staff for Vice President Cheney; or Rice's current deputy, Steven J. Hadley." cont.

http://www.philly.com/mld/inquirer/news/nation/10008221.htm?1c