WASHINGTON, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Tommy Thompson announced his resignation Friday from the Bush Cabinet.
Thompson, a 38-year veteran of public service, was the eighth member of President George W. Bush's first-term team to pull up stakes.
"While these years have been challenging they have also been rewarding," he told a news conference. "(But) after nearly 40 years in public service ... it's time for me and my family to move on to the next chapter of our life."
Thompson spent 20 years in the Wisconsin state assembly and 14 years as governor before being tapped by Bush. At HHS he worked to increase preparedness against a bioterror attack and to get increased funding for health organizations under his purview.
No replacement for Thompson has yet been named, but Dr. Mark McClellan, who currently heads the federal office within HHS that administers Medicare and Medicaid, was thought a likely candidate.
Thompson, who campaigned vigorously for Bush's re-election, said in March he would not serve a second term.
Earlier Friday President Bush announced the replacement for Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge -- Bernard Kerik, former police commissioner of New York City.
Thompson, as other departing Cabnet chiefs, will remain on the job until his replacement takes over.
