Card to remain Bush's chief of staff - officials

WASHINGTON - At the urging of President George W. Bush, White House chief of staff Andrew Card will remain in the job and is expected to play a key role in shaping Bush's second-term cabinet, officials said.

Bush spent the weekend in seclusion at the Camp David presidential retreat considering possible changes in his Cabinet, officials said. Vice President Dick Cheney, national security adviser Condoleezza Rice and Card took part in the discussions.

Though some personnel announcements are expected in the coming weeks, Bush is expected to overhaul his Cabinet gradually, officials said.

There had been speculation that Card would leave the post after Bush's re-election victory. White House budget chief Josh Bolten and Commerce Secretary Don Evans were seen as possible successors.

But officials said Bush asked Card over the weekend to remain chief of staff. "Andy accepted," a White House official said.

- REUTERS