Bush Picks Federal Judge Chertoff as Homeland Security Nominee
A month after his previous choice to lead the Dept. of Homeland Security withdrew, President Bush has selected federal judge Michael Chertoff as his nominee to be secretary of the sprawling department. Chertoff, 51, headed the Justice Dept.'s criminal division at the time of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attack until he moved to the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in 2003. From 1990 to 1994, he was U.S. Attorney in New Jersey, his home state.
In announcing his choice on Jan. 11, Bush called Chertoff "a practical organizer, a skilled manager and a brilliant thinker." He will have to be confirmed by the Senate.