So how many get the cane?

A bit of turnover...

The real questions are why these guys stepped down and who else will join them... I think most folks were shocked at the resignation of Ashcroft, so that will be the most interesting on from the perspective of choice vs. a force-out (the CNN article did note he had some recent health problems). As far as Evans goes, I am joining you all in asking "Who?" I would be inclined to say he is just window dressing to show Bush can indeed fire people, but does he really need that with Ashcroft going? I will be paying attention to the thoughts of people who are connected to the word in DC (e.g. Josh Marshall... perhaps he will post a Nelson Report)

As far as who will join them, I think most people are waiting to see if Powell gets out... halfway through this thing, you couldn't throw a rock without hitting someone who thought Powell was just going to ride out his term and then resign, but that school of thought as seemed to go out of style somewhat... personally, I still think he will go; he would lose every last shred of dignity in staying around to be undercut for another 4 years.

Besides, the CW is that Condi is hot after his job... after all, she is Bush's buddy and being such a horrid NSD has really helped her qualifications. Then Wolfie can slide into the her old spot and the hegemony of the DOD will be complete.

But what about Rummy? The favorite parlor game in DC right now is apparently guessing his status... IMO, I think this is a dead issue; Rummy isn't going anywhere, and Bush sure as hell isn't going to fire him (he might be able to survive Ashcroft leaving, but Rummy would open him up to too many criticisms... remember, they never admit mistakes!)

But again, what if Rummy does in fact leave? Wolfie would be a more natural fit for the DOD, leaving the NSD open if Condi went to State. Even if she stayed, we would have an opening... my money would be on Richard Armitage, who is the DOD's man in the State Department (for either position).

As they say: Developing...