Profile: Tom Ridge

— -- An ambitious politician and a Vietnam war veteran, Tom Ridge is the first U.S. secretary of homeland security — a position created by President Bush after the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks — and the man publicly responsible for domestic security.

Days after the deadliest terrorist attacks on U.S. soil, Bush named the then-governor of Pennsylvania to the post, giving him the authority to oversee and coordinate all domestic efforts to prevent terrorist actions.

The creation of the Department of Homeland Security — which coordinates the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement and emergency agencies — was the most dramatic restructuring of U.S. government in modern history.

Following the Senate approval of his nomination, the Pittsburgh-born son of a traveling salesman went on manage one of the most critical jobs in U.S. government today.

While in office, Ridge has repeatedly said that Americans are safer because of the coordination of the efforts of local, state and federal law enforcement and emergency agencies. However, like others in the administration, he continues to caution that al Qaeda and other terrorist groups remain an active threat to the United States.

Popular Governor

Ridge was a popular two-term governor who was said to have his eye on a future run at the presidency when Bush thrust him into the national spotlight by naming him to the homeland security post. Political observers thought he was a strong contender to be selected as Bush's running mate in the 2000 campaign, but Ridge's support for abortion rights, a controversial stance among political conservatives, may have helped scupper his chances.

In his speech announcing that the Pennsylvania governor had been chosen to lead the homeland security effort on Sept. 20, 2001, Bush described Ridge as "a military veteran, an effective governor, a true patriot, a trusted friend." Ridge is also well-liked by Vice President Dick Cheney and by former President Bush.