But He'd Rather Have Seen Hutchison Promoted To The Job

National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President James K. Coyne congratulated President George W. Bush for the selection of Michael Chertoff as the new designee for Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary.

"It is my sincere hope that a candidate of the caliber of Judge Michael Chertoff (below, right) will continue the relatively longstanding tradition of cooperation we have enjoyed with the DHS," Coyne said.  "We congratulate the President on this selection and look forward to working with the new secretary following his confirmation by the Senate."

Coyne also praised the efforts of outgoing DHS Secretary Tom Ridge and his team.

"Governor Ridge and his deputy Admiral Loy have done an excellent job of keeping our nation safe, while also walking that delicate balance of using common sense to protect individual liberty and prevent unnecessary over-regulation of our industry," Coyne said.  "Additionally, while we are disappointed that the President did not select Under Secretary Asa Hutchinson for the top job, we are optimistic that Judge Chertoff will continue to carry on the Ridge, Loy, and Hutchinson legacy of common sense and hard work.  This is an appointment we can support and with which we can work."

FMI: www.nbaa.org