GOP hopeful about White House changes

WASHINGTON, April 30 (UPI) -- Capitol Hill Republicans see White House staff changes as a sign U.S. President George Bush is trying to mend fences with Congress and the media.

GOP lawmakers indicate they regard the selection of John Bolton as chief of staff, Rob Portman as budget director designate and Tony Snow to be press secretary as more than mere job shuffling, The Washington Post said Sunday.

According to the report, allies regard the changes as key steps that could aid in revitalizing the Bush presidency.

"If this were the NFL draft, these would be awfully strong picks," Sen. John Thune, R-S.D., said. "I think they're really trying to do something that is much more than cosmetic. They're trying to make meaningful changes that will give a new look as well as a new air to the administration."

The recent staff shakeup at the White House coincided with a series of bipartisan meetings the president had with lawmakers last week to discuss Iraq, immigration and other key issues.