Reply #12: done deal~ Bush Names Ed Gillespie New White House Counselor [View All]

[maddezmom]

Bush Names Ed Gillespie New White House Counselor



WASHINGTON (AP)--Ed Gillespie, a high-dollar Washington lobbyist and long-time go-to guy for President George W. Bush and the Republican Party, is replacing Dan Bartlett as White House counselor in the president's inner circle.

"He's a seasoned hand. He's got excellent judgment. He's a strategic thinker. And I know he'll do a fine job," Bush said after having lunch with Gillespie and Bartlett.

Gillespie, a former head of the national GOP, will take on Bartlett's same duties and title as a senior presidential adviser. He starts June 27, in order to have some overlap with Bartlett, who is leaving around July 4.

Bartlett, 36, has been one of Bush's most trusted advisers, a near-constant presence at Bush's side and his longest-serving aide. Bartlett has been with Bush for nearly 14 years, from his first campaign for governor of Texas, through two races for the White House and more than six years of a presidency marked by costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and an ongoing battle against terrorism.

With three children under the age of 4, including twins, he announced his resignation June 1 to begin a career outside of government.

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