Ed Gillespie expected to join Bush team

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DEVELOPING / ONLINE EXCLUSIVE
Virginia Republican sources say Ed Gillespie will today be offered the job of counselor to the president, replacing Dan Bartlett as one of President Bush's top advisers.

It appears almost certain that Mr. Gillespie will get the job, according to conversations with White House sources, but the timing of the announcement is unclear.

The White House's official line is one of no comment.

But a source familiar with the situation, speaking on the condition of anonymity, told The Washington Times that Mr. Gillespie was planning to visit the White House this afternoon, and if offered the job, he plans to take it.

The expectation of an announcement today was first reported this morning by the Richmond Times-Dispatch.

Virginia Republican officials have already begun to talk internally about who will replace Mr. Gillespie, several sources say.

Mr. Gillespie, currently a lobbyist with Quinn, Gillespie & Associates, worked for Mr. Bush's first presidential campaign, and became a key figure in the 2000 Florida recount.

He then chaired the Republican National Committee from 2003 to 2005, before co-founding his lobbying group with Jack Quinn, former chief of staff to Vice President Al Gore and also White House Counsel to President Clinton.

Mr. Gillespie's office at his lobbying firm directed phone calls to the Virginia GOP.

Mr. Bartlett, 36, has worked for Mr. Bush for 14 years, since his first campaign for governor in Texas, and has become one of the president's most trusted advisers in the White House.

Mr. Bartlett, saying he wanted to have a job that allowed more time with his family and three young children, said earlier this month that he plans to leave the White House around July 4.