Rummy finally takes the fall
 

He's stepping down, even as I type this.

Bush picks Bob Gates (who?) to succeed Rummy.

Career spook, Bush I adminstration.

Apparently he had ties with the Iran Contra guys. Way to go!

He's going to have to go through a confirmation hearing. That should be fun.

Hastert has now also stepped down, leaving an immense void in leaersh0ip by people who look like Jabba the Hut.

That one makes sense (not that Rummy stepping down didn't). This will give them an opportunity to pick "new blood", which I use lightly, to head up the minority position.

Like Joe Barton. Bleh....

My question is, will the Repubicans be able to transition smoothly into this next phase, or are they going to start ripping into each other in a Pirannah like blame fest.

I can't help but wonder how fast we're gonna see the confirmation hearings for Gates. I'm betting before year's end. I think Bush wanted to get this done under a Republican Legislature while he still had the chance. Smart move.

Oh yeah... and Gates is as good as anybody when his main job qualification is that he's not the guy that was running things before, right? Not that he's a bad choice. He srved for 7 presidents, not just Bush Sr.

what's that Who lyric? Meet the new boss, same as the old boss