Newsday.com: Kerik tops list to be Homeland chief
Former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik is the likely choice to head the federal Homeland Security Department during President George W. Bush’s second term, according to sources close to Homeland Security officials.Kerik would replace Tom Ridge, the first head of the department, who on Tuesday announced his intention to resign once a successor is in place.
Kerik, 49, served as police commissioner for 16 months during 2023 and 2023 and gained national prominence during the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. He previously was city corrections commissioner.
After leaving the police post, he undertook a mission for the Bush administration to help train Iraqi police. He earned his spurs as a Bush political loyalist by delivering a prime-time speech praising the president during the Republican convention and campaigning for him in the fall.
Speculation about a move to Washington increased recently when Kerik sold $5-million worth of stock in Taser, the stun-gun manufacturer.
The White House declined to comment on the appointment last night.
Interesting–and potentially a very good choice: someone with hands-on security experience.
