National Reaction to Rumsfeld resignation

Wednesday, November 8th 2006, 9:06 pm

By: News On 6

"Don Rumsfeld has been a superb leader during a time of change. Yet he also appreciates the value of bringing in a fresh perspective during a critical period in this war." -- President Bush.

"Don Rumsfeld has served his country honorably and skillfully in a time of testing. I have valued our working relationship and our many years of friendship." -- Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

"Changing Rumsfeld should have happened a year ago because their work in Iraq did not achieve any results." -- Hassan al-Sunnaid, member of the Security and Defense Committee in the Iraqi Parliament.

"By accepting the Secretary of Defense's resignation, President Bush has taken a step in the right direction." -- Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev.

"His vision and his passion will be missed." -- House Majority Leader John Boehner, R-Ohio.

"I welcome the president's decision today to replace Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld with former CIA Director Robert Gates.
While Secretary Rumsfeld and I have had our differences, he deserves Americans' respect and gratitude for his many years of
public service." -- Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz.

"The nomination of a new Department of Defense secretary is a good first step, and we hope it is a sign that the president is looking toward a new course of action in Iraq." -- Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y.

"This is a resignation that should have come before the election. The good news is it shows the administration's listening." -- Sen. Norm Coleman, R-Minn.

"The resignation of Secretary Rumsfeld is welcome and could represent a significant shift in direction by this administration. I hope it opens the door to fresh ideas on Iraq." -- Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif.

"Secretary Rumsfeld has done an excellent job of transforming the military and modernizing the civil service at the Pentagon while fighting the war on terrorism." -- House Armed Services Committee chairman Duncan Hunter of California.