New inspector general named for DHS

WASHINGTON, April 28 (UPI) -- President Bush tapped Richard L. Skinner Thursday to be inspector general of the Department of Homeland Security.

If confirmed, Skinner, who is currently acting in the post, will replace his former boss, the department's first Inspector General, Clark Kent Ervin.

The inspector general is an independent watchdog charged with rooting out fraud, waste, abuse and mismanagement.

Skinner is generally considered less assertive than his predecessor, who has said he was asked to tone down his criticism of the department.

For instance, Skinner has ended Ervin's practice of informing reporters by e-mail when the office issues a new report.

Ervin became acting inspector general on Jan. 24, 2003, the day the Department of Homeland Security came into being. He subsequently received a recess appointment from President Bush after senators refused to move on his confirmation. His appointment expired last December after one year.

Skinner previously served as Deputy Inspector General of the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Earlier in his career, he worked for the State Department's Inspector General. He earned his bachelor's degree from Fairmont State University and his master's degree from George Washington University.