Lately we've been doing a lot of speculating around here about future personnel changes within the Bush Administration. And the rumor mill keeps on churning.
We recently suggested that White House press secretary Scott McClellan would be gone by the summer. But we didn't have info about a possible replacement, other than to say that it probably wouldn't be communications director Nicolle Wallace. Wallace doesn't enjoy talking on camera, and she may be moving to New York with her husband in the near future.
Now a little bird -- not the same tipster who said Scotty would be leaving soon, but a different source -- tells us:
The President has named Dana M. Perino (see photo) as Deputy Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary. Ms. Perino recently served as Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Press Secretary at the White House. This makes her heir apparent to Scott McClellan, who is expected to depart this summer.
Interesting -- and logical. Dana Perino is easy on the eyes, and therefore television-ready. And if David Gregory starts giving her a hard time, he may come off looking like a bully, unless Perino can give as good as she gets (which, considering her resemblance to Heather Locklear, is certainly possible).
If you have anything to add to this, please feel free to drop us a line.
Personnel Announcement [White House]
Update: We wrote this post before Josh Bolten took over as White House chief of staff. Rumor has it that he does not favor Perino for the job.
Earlier:White House Rumor-Mongering: Waiting for the Other Shoe(s) To Drop
