Reply #4: Principi's resignation [View All]

[villagechild]

Principi's resignation

He is the ninth Cabinet secretary -- out of 15 -- to announce plans not to return for a second term.

In his resignation letter to President Bush, Principi said it is "time to move on" for him personally and he praised the president for giving veterans "dramatic increases to quality health care."

Principi, 60, did not give a specific reason for his resignation, but said after four years of dedicated service "it is now time for me to move on to fresh opportunities and different challenges.

"I am, therefore, submitting my resignation as secretary, effective upon confirmation of a successor," he wrote.

As secretary of Veterans Affairs, Principi directed the federal government's second largest department in charge of 219,000 personnel, responsible for a nationwide system of health care services, benefits programs, and national cemeteries for America's veterans and dependents.

http://www.cnn.com/2004/ALLPOLITICS/12/08/snow.principi/