Bush names Jim Nicholson secretary of veterans' affairs

WASHINGTON, Dec 9 (AFP) - US President George W. Bush on Thursday nominated Jim Nicholson to serve as secretary of veterans' affairs, replacing Anthony Principi, who announced his resignation on Wednesday.
"Jim Nicholson is a patriot, a man of deep conviction, who has answered his country's call many times," Bush said in brief remarks at the White House.
Nicholson, 66, formerly served as the US ambassador to the Vatican.
His nomination must now be confirmed by the US Senate.
White House spokesman Scott McClellan also noted that Transportation Secretary Norm Mineta, Labor Secretary Elaine Chao, Interior Secretary Gale Norton and Alphonso Jackson, secretary of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, would remain in their posts.
Bush has been overhauling his cabinet in the weeks since his November 2 re-election.
In that time, nine cabinet members, including Secretary of State Colin Powell and Homeland Security chief Tom Ridge, have stepped down.

12/09/2004 15:34 GMT - AFP