Bush chooses judge as homeland security chief

US President George Bush has chosen an appeals court judge to be his new Homeland Security chief, turning to a former federal prosecutor who helped craft the early war on terror strategy.

Judge Michael Chertoff headed the Justice Department’s criminal division from 2001 to 2003, where he played a central role in the nation’s legal response to the 9/11 11 attacks, before the president named him to appeals court position in New Jersey.

Bush was to formally announce Chertoff’s selection later at the White House, government officials said.

Chertoff will replace Tom Ridge, the department’s first chief, who announced he was quitting after the president’s second election victory in November.

Chertoff was Bush’s second pick for the job.

Former New York City police chief Bernard Kerik withdrew as nominee last month, citing immigration problems with a family housekeeper.

After failing to disclose the nanny problem during an initial screening, Kerik acknowledged it during a subsequent vetting phase as he filled out a clearance form.