As a result of Secretary of State Colin Powell’s resignation, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice will become the first African American woman to hold that position.

Six members Bush Administration’s Cabinet have resigned from their positions, with the possibility of more to leave.

The five other members who have resigned are Attorney General John Ashcroft, Commerce Secretary Don Evans, Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Education Secretary Rod Paige and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham.

Political Science professor Dr. Ellen Antoine said that the changes in the Cabinet are a normal move between a president’s two terms.

“It’s not an abnormal turnover,” Antoine said. “(Rice) is the least surprising appointment. I think Bush wants to make sure he hears no dissenting voices. The big ones have gone, Ashcroft and Powell, I just wonder if Bush will let Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta stick around.”

Mineta is the only Democrat in the Cabinet. Antoine said she believes that Mineta may not be around much longer.

So far, President Bush has filled three of the six positions by nominating White House counsel Alberto Gonzales to replace Ashcroft, domestic policy adviser Margaret Spelling to take Paige’s post and Rice.

“What isn’t normal is the appointment of people from inside the White House staff,” Antoine said.

The resignation by Powell has led many to believe that Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld will now stay in his position.

“Everyone knew it was either Rumsfeld or Powell who would leave,” Antoine said. “But Rumsfeld won’t leave unless he is pushed out.”

The appointment of Rice to a higher position may work out for the better because of the close relationship she has with Rumsfeld, Antoine said.

“Even though she has said that Powell was her mentor, Rice has sided with Rumsfeld on a lot of issues,” Antoine said.

Editor’s note: This article is the last of a series focusing on the results of the 2004 elections.