Associated Press
Originally published Jan 5 2001
WASHINGTON - Sticking with Clinton appointees, President-elect George W. Bush
wants FBI Director Louis J. Freeh to finish the last two years of his term
and might seek a brief extension for CIA Director George J. Tenet, advisers
said yesterday. His Cabinet complete, Bush broadened his focus yesterday to
sub-Cabinet and senior White House positions, nominating campaign manager Joe
Allbaugh to head the Federal Emergency Management Agency. In the same Texas
ceremony, campaign strategist Karl Rove was appointed Bush's senior adviser
and given control over the offices of political affairs, public liaison and
strategic initiatives - an unusually broad portfolio. Allbaugh, 48 and Rove,
50, combined with spokeswoman Karen Hughes to form Bush's loyal "Iron
Triangle" that guided him to the presidency. Hughes, 44, was named
presidential counselor shortly after t! he election. Allbaugh was Bush's 1994
gubernatorial campaign manager and the former governor's chief of staff,
helping shape the response to natural disasters such as tornadoes, floods and
hurricanes. Rove has been widely praised as instrumental in the Republican
takeover of Texas politics. Freeh is in the eighth year of a 10-year term
given to him by President Clinton, but the two have often clashed; Bush's
advisers have told Freeh they want him to stay. A senior adviser said Bush
planned to ask that Tenet stay while the incoming national security team
assesses foreign policy needs. Tenet would not be auditioning for a long-term
appointment but would be a placeholder, said the official.
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