Snow Steps Down, Perino Steps Up

ABC News’ Jennifer Duck reports: White House Press Secretary Tony Snow announced Friday is is leaving the White House on September 14th. 

Snow said, "Cancer has nothing to do with this decision."  Snow was diagnosed with colon cancer and had his colon removed in 2005.  A reoccurrence of cancer appeared in his lower abdomen in March, and Snow completed chemotherapy treatment two weeks ago.

Snow explained he simply "ran out of money," and his White House job doesn’t provide the salary he made in prior years as a FOX News anchor and conservative pundit. 

President Bush said he "sadly" accepts Snow’s decision to leave his post, telling the press: "…it’s been a joy to watch him spar with you.  He’s smart, he’s capable, he’s witty. He’s capable of — he’s able to talk about issues in a way that the American people can understand."

The President thanked Snow’s family.  "They have watched a man they love take on a big job, and at the same time, fight disease — with a lot of courage.  And so I accept, I love you, and I wish you all the best."

Snow thanked the President saying, "I’ve had an enormous amount of fun and satisfaction, and I’m proud to be working for you, and will continue, after I leave, working for the White House, to speak out about issues I care about."

Bush had kind words and a hug for Snow’s replacement Deputy Press Secretary Dana Perino, telling the press, "I’m not worried about her standing here at the podium.  What I look for in somebody like Dana is somebody who will walk in that Oval Office and give me sound judgment and good advice.  And I have found that over the course of the time I’ve known her she’s capable of doing that.  And she’s also capable of running the shop that she’ll be in charge of."

Snow also praised his colleague, saying Perino is very capable of filling his shoes, something she has done while Snow had surgeries and chemotherapy treatments.

Perino, who is almost a foot shorter than Snow, used a hidden step within the podium to step up and respond to Snows comments, "He mentions filling shoes, and I’ve said before, he leaves very big shoes to fill, and I only wear a size 6." 

Snow said he will still be involved in politics and plans to look at book proposals and give speeches on his experiences — both his professional experiences and his experiences battling cancer.

This news comes on longtime Bush adviser Karl Rove’s last day at the White House.  Josh Bolten reportedly told staff members to let him know by Labor Day if they were leaving.  A number of staffers haven stated their decision to leave the White House, including Rove and Attorney General Alberto Gonzales.