We won't have Fran Townsend to kick around anymore

By Michael J.W. Stickings

Figuratively, of course.

George W. Bush's chief homeland security and terrorism advisor, Fran Townsend, has resigned. She will no doubt land a plum gig on K Street, or wherever else former administration officials go to make their fortunes, perhaps the banking industry.

"It is with a profound sense of gratitude that I have decided to take a respite from public service." Yes, alas. There will now be one less apologist for Bush's failures on national security and the war on terror -- until, of course, her successor moves in and assumes the role of loyal mouthpiece.

I don't have to much add, because there really isn't much to say. Another top White House official has resigned. It's just more of the same -- Rove, Bartlett, Snow, not to mention Rumsfeld and Gonzales.

Still, make sure to check out Steve Benen's post on this. He considers "some of Townsend's greatest hits, and, indeed, a few of them are real "doozies" -- like, oh, her defence of torture.