New Homeland Security chief

Sources say that we have a new Homeland Security Decretary-designate by the name of Michael Chertoff. Did they do their homework this time?

President Bush on Tuesday chose federal appeals court judge Michael Chertoff to be his new Homeland Security chief, turning to a former federal prosecutor who helped craft the early war on terror strategy.

"Mike has shown a deep commitment to the cause of justice and an unwavering determination to protect the American people," Bush said. "Mike has also been a key leader in the war on terror."

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 Sept. 11 attacks, before the president named him to appeals court position in New Jersey.

UPDATE:JTA has confirmed he is Jewish.

Michael Chertoff, a judge on the Third Circuit Court of Appeals in Philadelphia, ran the Justice Department’s criminal division from 2001 until 2003 and was involved in drafting the U.S. Patriot Act. He also was U.S. Attorney in New Jersey from 1990-94, and he and his wife were active in the Jewish community.

If confirmed by the Senate, Chertoff would be the second Cabinet-level Jewish appointee; Josh Bolten heads the Office of Management and Budget.

Secretary-designate Samuel Bodman is also Jewish.