Secretary Of State Colin Powell Stepping Down
Four People Expected To Announce Resignations Today
Posted: 8:34 am CST November 15, 2004Updated: 9:21 am CST November 15, 2004
U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell has handed in his resignation -- as President George W. Bush continues with what's shaping up as a major Cabinet reshuffle. Officials say Powell has told his aides that he intends to leave once Bush settles on his successor.
The White House is preparing an announcement on Powell. Press Secretary Scott McClellan said he's expecting four announcements Monday, though he's refusing to discuss details. Others expected to leave the administration soon include Agriculture Secretary Ann Venneman, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Education Secretary Rod Paige, who signaled his intention last week. Plus Bush has yet to name a replacement for Commerce Secretary Don Evans, who quit soon after the president's re-election.Powell reportedly handed in his resignation Friday. But the president has not yet accepted his resignation. For some months, he's been non-committal about his plans for a second Bush term.Earlier this month, Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Don Evans resigned. Last week, Bush named White House counsel Alberto Gonzales to take Ashcroft's place.In a handwritten, five-page letter to the president, Ashcroft wrote that "the objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved." But he goes on to say that the Justice Department would be "well served" by "new leadership and fresh inspiration."Evans is a close friend of Bush's from Texas. He wrote that while "the promise" of Bush's second term "shines bright," he believes it's time to go home.CNN reported that there is a lot of speculation that Condoleezza Rice will be offered Powell's position. According to one official, Powell expects that his departure date will be sometime in January, but it's not immediately clear whether he will leave before Bush's second inauguration on Jan. 20. In the meantime, he will go about his usual schedule, which includes a meeting later in the day with the Israeli Foreign Minister. He also will attend a multinational conference on Iraq next week.Powell had a 35-year career as a soldier, rising to the rank of four-star general. His last post, from October 1989 to September 1993, was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that position, he oversaw the U.S. military during the first Gulf War.He was raised in New York City's South Bronx and later graduated from City College of New York.Between his military service and time at the State Deparment, he wrote a best selling autobiography and led a nonprofit group called America's Promise -- The Alliance for Youth. He was also frequently mentioned as a possible presidential candidate.
Bush Statements: Ashcroft | Evans
Images: The Bush CabinetInteractive: Bush's Agenda For 2nd Term The White House is preparing an announcement on Powell. Press Secretary Scott McClellan said he's expecting four announcements Monday, though he's refusing to discuss details. Others expected to leave the administration soon include Agriculture Secretary Ann Venneman, Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham and Education Secretary Rod Paige, who signaled his intention last week. Plus Bush has yet to name a replacement for Commerce Secretary Don Evans, who quit soon after the president's re-election.Powell reportedly handed in his resignation Friday. But the president has not yet accepted his resignation. For some months, he's been non-committal about his plans for a second Bush term.Earlier this month, Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Don Evans resigned. Last week, Bush named White House counsel Alberto Gonzales to take Ashcroft's place.In a handwritten, five-page letter to the president, Ashcroft wrote that "the objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved." But he goes on to say that the Justice Department would be "well served" by "new leadership and fresh inspiration."Evans is a close friend of Bush's from Texas. He wrote that while "the promise" of Bush's second term "shines bright," he believes it's time to go home.CNN reported that there is a lot of speculation that Condoleezza Rice will be offered Powell's position. According to one official, Powell expects that his departure date will be sometime in January, but it's not immediately clear whether he will leave before Bush's second inauguration on Jan. 20. In the meantime, he will go about his usual schedule, which includes a meeting later in the day with the Israeli Foreign Minister. He also will attend a multinational conference on Iraq next week.Powell had a 35-year career as a soldier, rising to the rank of four-star general. His last post, from October 1989 to September 1993, was chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. In that position, he oversaw the U.S. military during the first Gulf War.He was raised in New York City's South Bronx and later graduated from City College of New York.Between his military service and time at the State Deparment, he wrote a best selling autobiography and led a nonprofit group called America's Promise -- The Alliance for Youth. He was also frequently mentioned as a possible presidential candidate.
Previous Stories:
- November 12, 2004: Source: Paige Stepping Down As Education Secretary
- November 12, 2004: Ashcroft: Judges Threaten National Security By Questioning Bush
- November 10, 2004: Bush Names White House Counsel To Succeed Ashcroft
- November 9, 2004: John Ashcroft, Don Evans Resign From Bush Cabinet
- November 4, 2004: Spokeswoman: Giuliani Doesn't Want Ashcroft's Job
Distributed by Internet Broadcasting Systems, Inc. The Associated Press contributed to this report. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
VIDEO: 
