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Wednesday, November 14, 2007

Texan Smith heads Romney’s security policy group

By Ken Herman | Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 01:39 PM

As of today, Texas Rep. Lamar Smith is in charge of GOP presidential candidate Mitt Romney’s homeland security policy advisory group, a panel than also includes Texas Rep. Kay Granger.

Smith, who also advises Romney on judicial matters, is on the House Homeland Security Committee.

Predictably, Smith - in a release from the Romney campaign - says Romney is just the guy to lead the nation at this perilous time.

“Governor Romney has years of experience working to improve our nation’s homeland security policies. He oversaw security efforts at the 2002 Winter Olympic Games, served on the President’s Homeland Security Advisory Council and brought innovative tactics to Massachusetts’ homeland security strategy,” says Smith.

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Bush bids a final farewell to Gonzales

By Ken Herman | Wednesday, November 14, 2007, 10:41 AM

Once more, with feeling, President Bush today bade farewell to former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, his long-time friend who was forced from office earlier this year as congressional pressure mounted for his resignation.

Today’s words from Bush at the swearing-in ceremony for Attorney General Michael Mukasey:

“As our new attorney general, Michael Mukasey follows in the footsteps of a fine man and a fine American, Al Gonzales. I have known Al since our days working together in the state of Texas. As White House counsel and as attorney general in my administration, Al Gonzales worked tirelessly to make this country safer and to ensure that all Americans receive equal justice before the law.”

“For many years, I’ve witnessed his integrity, his decency and his deep dedication to the cause of justice. I’m grateful for his friendship. I thank him for his service to our nation. And Laura and I wish him and his wife, Becky, and their children, Jared, Graham and Gabe, all the very best.”

Alas, Gonzales was not on hand to hear the kind words from an old friend.

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