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Rumsfeld replaced after poll loss
US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is standing down, President George W Bush has announced after bruising losses for Republicans in mid-term elections.
Mr Bush said that "after a series of thoughtful conversations" he and Mr Rumsfeld has decided "the time is right for new leadership at the Pentagon".
He said he had nominated former CIA Director Robert Gates to serve as Mr Rumsfeld's replacement.
The Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives.
Mr Bush described Mr Rumsfeld as a "patriot who served his country with honour and distinction", as well as "a trusted adviser and a friend".
With popular anger over the war in Iraq a major factor during the election campaign, there had been growing calls for Mr Rumsfeld's resignation.
Story from BBC NEWS:
US Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld is standing down, President George W Bush has announced after bruising losses for Republicans in mid-term elections.
Mr Bush said that "after a series of thoughtful conversations" he and Mr Rumsfeld has decided "the time is right for new leadership at the Pentagon".
He said he had nominated former CIA Director Robert Gates to serve as Mr Rumsfeld's replacement.
The Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives.
Mr Bush described Mr Rumsfeld as a "patriot who served his country with honour and distinction", as well as "a trusted adviser and a friend".
With popular anger over the war in Iraq a major factor during the election campaign, there had been growing calls for Mr Rumsfeld's resignation.
Story from BBC NEWS:
Ptooey!
...Was in HEAVEN -got to 150, for awhile, then got too busy, and gave in too much... and... OK holding pattern "keep it together..." 
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