Housecleaning continues

CNN reports that two senior-level White House sources told them that Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge has resigned. Although CNN says it has confirmed the information, the office of Homeland Security cannot confirm the resignation.

He reportedly told colleagues earlier that he would probably leave because of his personal finances and job stresses.

WRAL.com article

What? He doesn't get paid enough? Is that what that means? Job stresses. That, I assume would be the stress of not stepping on the emperor's toes, because toggling that terror alert from yellow to orange doesn't seem too difficult to me. The incomparable Maru has the replacement ad ready:

Wanted: Homeland Security Director. Duties include operating "Stoplight O' Terror," making vague yet frightening statements, and propping up the duct tape industry.

CNN also reported that Tommy Thompson, the Health and Human Services chief, is going to resign.

Thompson has reportedly said he would take a break from government service after four years on the job at HHS and 14 as Wisconsin governor.

[...]

CNN also reports that Deputy Secretary of State Richard L. Armitage will be leaving the administration as well. Armitage was sworn in on March 26, 2001 and reportedly handed in his resignation Monday.

And just in the nick of time, too. God, I'll miss Uncle Fester.

(Update 2:30pm: Maru says he resigned to spend more time with his crime family.)

The White House on Monday announced the resignations of Secretary of State Colin Powell, Education Secretary Rod Paige, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham. Veneman had said last week she wanted to stay.

And I'm sure she's not the only one who didn't leave on their own impetus.

Thompson, and Ridge's resignations would bring the number of Cabinet chiefs leaving to eight out of a total of 15 in what's shaping up as a major second-term shakeup. Bush's second term begins with his inauguration Jan. 20.

Tightening down the machinery. Replacing all the slightly loose nuts. Hey, whatever happened to all that "loyalty" baloney?

With the impending nomination of Rice as secretary of state, the fate of one major player in the Bush cabinet is still up in the air: that of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld.

In the last week, Rumsfeld has deflected questions about his future twice -- at a Pentagon briefing last week, and Monday at a meeting in Ecuador of foreign ministers from Western Hemisphere nations.

Rumsfeld said he has yet to discuss the matter with the president.

Doesn't sound good, does it? An earlier report said Miss Thang would have to work more closely with Rumsfiend in her soon-to-be new position as Secretary of State, and that they had already had a little tiff. Rummy will have to be reminded of his place if he expects to stay on. He may have some kneeling to do.

But, I think he's up to it.