Bush to name Kerik to replace Ridge

WASHINGTON, Dec. 2 (UPI) -- President Bush will name former New York Police Commissioner Bernard Kerik secretary of the Homeland Security Department, UPI learned Thursday.

If confirmed by the Senate, Kerik will succeed Tom Ridge, the first homeland security secretary who has announced his resignation after three years in office, a senior Bush administration official said.

Kerik's nomination could be formally announced as early as Friday.

Kerik, 49, is a close associate of former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani, and was head of the New York police during Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

After leaving his position, Kerik joined Giuliani Partners, the former mayor's consulting firm, which sent him to rebuild the civilian police force in Iraq.