WASHINGTON — The White House on Tuesday announced the resignations of Atty. Gen. John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Don Evans as President Bush began reshaping the top ranks of his administration for his second term.
The departures of Ashcroft, the nation's controversial chief law enforcement officer, and Evans, the administration's leading business booster, were not complete surprises. Ashcroft, 62, has had health problems and underwent gallbladder surgery in March. Evans, 58, had told aides he was considering a change, and had moved his family back to Texas.
Ashcroft, who had become a magnet for criticism of the administration's law enforcement policies in the aftermath of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, informed Bush of his intention to leave in a five-page handwritten letter of resignation, dated Nov. 2 -- election day.
"The objective of securing the safety of Americans from crime and terror has been achieved," Ashcroft wrote. "Yet, I believe that the Department of Justice would be well served by new leadership and fresh inspiration."
Evans, an old friend of Bush's from their days in the Texas oil business, said in his letter that he was ready to go back to Texas. "While the promise of your second term shines bright, I have concluded with deep regret that it is time for me to return home," he wrote.
White House spokeswoman Claire Buchan said neither man had been asked to resign. Ashcroft, she said, will stay on the job until a successor is confirmed, but Evans intends to leave Commerce by the end of January.
The president issued brief statements praising both officials.
"John Ashcroft has worked tirelessly to help make our country safer," Bush said. He credited Ashcroft with transforming the Justice Department "to make combating terrorism the top priority, including making sure our law enforcement officials have the tools they need to disrupt and prevent attacks."
Bush described Evans as one of his most trusted friends and advisors. "Don has worked to advance economic security and prosperity for all Americans," Bush said. "He has worked steadfastly to make sure America continues to be the best place in the world to do business."
A president's reelection has frequently augured changes in the Cabinet; in the weeks after his reelection in 1996, President Clinton's chief of staff and seven Cabinet members announced their resignations.
