Bush names Gillespie as new counselor

By JENNIFER LOVEN, Associated Press Writer
Wed Jun 13, 4:56 PM ET



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

"He is a seasoned hand who has got excellent judgment. He's a good strategic thinker that I know will do a fine job," Bush said after having lunch with Gillespie and Bartlett. Gillespie sat — fittingly — on Bush's right hand in the Oval Office, with the man he is succeeding on the couch near them.

Gillespie, a former head of the national GOP, will take on Bartlett's same duties and title. He starts June 27, 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, at 14 years, his longest-serving aide. Bartlett has been with Bush from his first campaign as governor of Texas, through two races for the White House and more than six years of a presidency marked by declining support in the Iraq war.

As communications director and then from the broader perch of counselor, Bartlett has been at the center of White House decision making. He stepped into the public eye particularly in times of trouble, defending Bush on everything from Iraq, to the government's bungled response to Hurricane Katrina and the Republicans' loss of Congress last year.

But with three children under the age of 4, including twins, he said earlier this month that he needed less stress and a career outside of government.

Bush said he understood, but will miss the friend whom he has known "gosh — since 1993."

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http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070613/ap_on_go_pr_wh/white_house_counselor;_ylt=AkBTqF9Rz7S5Rl9NfzfD63.yFz4D