Rumsfeld pays the price

2006-11-08 20:29

Washington - US defence secretary Donald Rumsfeld resigned on Wednesday, paying the price for the Democrat surge to power in congress driven by a wave of public anger over the war in Iraq.

President George W Bush announced the veteran power broker's departure, sending shockwaves though Washington, in a move which could possibly pave the way to a major change of US strategy in the strife-torn nation.

"After a series of thoughtful conversations, secretary Rumsfeld and I agreed that the timing is right for new leadership at the Pentagon," Bush said.

He named former CIA chief Bob Gates as Rumsfeld's replacement at the Pentagon, following six tumultuous years with Rumsfeld at the helm.

Takes responsibility

Bush also took responsibility for the Democratic election victory, and acknowledged it was motivated by voter dissatisfaction with the Iraq war.

"I'm obviously disappointed with the outcome of the election," Bush told reporters at a White House news conference.

"As the head of the Republican Party, I share a large part of the responsibility," Bush said.

Democrats meanwhile picked up a fifth senate seat in Montana, after Tuesday's midterm elections, moving to the threshold of power in the upper chamber, after capturing the house of representatives for the first time since 1994.

Virginia 'too close to call'

Democrat Jon Tester defeated incumbent Republican Conrad Burns by fewer than 5 000 votes, according to US networks ABC and NBC.

The final and decisive Senate race in Virginia was too close to call, with Democrat Jim Webb leading by several thousand votes.

It could be weeks before the vote is declared with a recount likely.

The opposition party beat most predictions by picking up nearly 30 seats to take control of the 435-member house for the first time since 1994.

- AFP