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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Homeland Security Adviser Joins White House Exodus

Townsend leaves behind mixed legacy

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(Newser) – The president's homeland security adviser resigned today, extending the string of high-profile White House departures. Frances Frago Townsend was in charge of the president’s counterterrorism program for 4½ years, the Washington Post reports, managing the response to the London bombing and upgrading air transportation security. No reason was given for her departure.

“We are safer today because of her leadership,” Bush said today. Rudy Giuliani first hired Townsend as a federal prosecutor; her prominent role in Janet Reno’s Justice Department led many Republicans to question her most recent appointment. But she impressed doubters by getting tough with Arab royals and skydiving with Navy SEALs.

White House Homeland Security Adviser Frances Townsend briefs the media on actions to protect Americans from terrorist threats, Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
White House Homeland Security Adviser Frances Townsend briefs the media on actions to protect Americans from terrorist threats, Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron...   (Associated Press)
President Bush, center, flanked by Homeland Security adviser Frances Townsend, left, and Vice President Dick Cheney, makes a statement to reporters after being briefed at the National Security Agency in Fort Meade, Md., Wednesday, Sept. 19, 2007. (AP Photo/Charles Dharapak)
President Bush, center, flanked by Homeland Security adviser Frances Townsend, left, and Vice President Dick Cheney, makes a statement to reporters after being briefed at the National Security Agency...   (Associated Press)
White House Homeland Security Adviser Frances Townsend briefs the media on actions to protect Americans from terrorist threats, Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
White House Homeland Security Adviser Frances Townsend briefs the media on actions to protect Americans from terrorist threats, Tuesday, July 17, 2007, at the White House in Washington. (AP Photo/Ron...   (Associated Press)
Homeland Security Advisor, Fran Townsend listens to questions as she briefed reporters at the White House in this Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 file photo. The White House has announced Bush's counterrorism adviser at the White House, Fran Townsend, has resigned. (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
Homeland Security Advisor, Fran Townsend listens to questions as she briefed reporters at the White House in this Thursday, Feb. 23, 2006 file photo. The White House has announced Bush's counterrorism...   (Associated Press)
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