GOP officials: Rumsfeld stepping down

WASHINGTON — Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld, architect of an unpopular war in Iraq, intends to resign after six stormy years at the Pentagon, Republican officials said Wednesday.

Officials said Robert Gates, former head of the CIA, would replace Rumsfeld.

The development occurred one day after congressional elections that cost Republicans control of the House of Representatives, and possibly the Senate as well. Surveys of voters at polling places said opposition to the war was a significant contributor to the Democratic Party’s victory.

Now that Rumsfeld’s job performance might actually face some scrutiny in Congress, he high-tails it and runs. That’s the kind of leadership you can expect from this Administration. Rumsfeld is an opportunist if there ever was one…

President George W. Bush was expected to announce Rumsfeld’s departure and Gates’ nomination at a news conference. Administration officials notified congressional officials in advance.

Source: AP