President Bush on Wednesday hired Ed Gillespie, former chairman of the Republican National Committee, to replace White House Counselor Dan Bartlett, Bush’s longest serving aide.
Gillespie will assume Bartlett’s role as senior adviser to Bush and director of White House communications.
“He is a seasoned hand,” Bush said of Gillespie. “He’s got excellent judgment. He’s a good strategic thinker that I know will do a fine job.”
Bartlett, 36, has been an aide to Bush since he ran for governor of Texas in 1994. He announced earlier this month he would resign to spend more time with his wife and three young children.
“A young dad needs to be with his family,” Bush said in an Oval Office appearance with Bartlett and Gillespie. “And I admire the fact that he has set such an important priority.”
Gillespie heads the Virginia Republican Party and helped found the lobbying firm Quinn Gillespie & Associates.
