Referring to his choice of O'Neill, Bush said "our economy is showing warning signs of a possible slowdown, and so it's important for me to find somebody who has vast experience, who has a steady hand and, when he speaks, speaks with authority and conviction and knowledge."
O'Neill worked in the U.S. Office of Management and Budget for 10 years, between 1967 and 1977. He was deputy director of that agency for four of those years.
Later in the day, Bush selected Ann Veneman, California's former agriculture director, to head the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
He chose Mel Martinez, a former Cuban refugee who lived in a foster home as a boy, to head the Department of Housing and Urban Development. And Bush announced he was nominating his presidential campaign chairman and longtime friend Don Evans to be the nation's next secretary of the Department of Commerce.
All of the nominations must win the approval of the Senate.
Bush said his choice of Veneman to head the giant DOA is the fulfillment of a campaign promise he made to "name a secretary of Agriculture who understood the importance of agriculture in the larger scheme of things for America."
Veneman is an attorney and former head of agriculture in the nation's biggest state.
In accepting the nomination, she said: "Agriculture is the part and the fabric that makes America great. Our farmers feed and clothe not only the people in this country but people around the world, and it's important that we work together to expand markets for our food and fiber, both at home and abroad.
"I want to find common ground and promote common sense. I want to promote policies that will help all of our farmers reap a bountiful harvest for years to come."
Bush's choice for secretary of Housing and Urban Development is the chairman of the Orange County, Fla., Board of Commissioners. Mel Martinez has also served in top positions with the Orlando Utilities Commission and the Orlando Housing Authority.
Martinez arrived in the United States at the age of 15 as a Cuban exile and lived in foster homes before being reunited with his family.
Bush said Martinez is a "perfect pick" to run HUD. Martinez said the nomination fulfilled his American dream.
"Today that immigrant, that refugee, that young man is standing before you receiving the nomination of the next president to serve in his Cabinet.
"Today, for me, is fulfillment of the promise of America, the promise that regardless of where you come from, what language you speak, the color of your skin or your economic circumstances, if you share the dream of a brighter tomorrow and you're willing to pursue it with respect for others and an abiding faith in God, all things are possible," Martinez said.
Martinez said he would work hard to make sure all Americans have "affordable housing."
Wags are referring to the appointment as "Elian's revenge," a reference to the Elian Gonzalez case that some observers think cost Democrat Al Gore the presidency by energizing Florida's Cuban-American vote, Fox News Channel reported.
Evans, a lifelong friend of the president-elect, reportedly encouraged and helped Bush to stop drinking alcohol many years ago.
He said he saw the position of commerce secretary as a "new challenge" and welcomed the chance to "bring the experience of the private sector to the exercise of public service."
"Our business in America is truly business, and as a result, our economy is truly the envy of the world. Now is no time for small plans or shrinking ambitions.
"The road the Department of Commerce will travel is clear: The promotion of free enterprise, first in America and then abroad, will be our first priority."
Citing family reasons, Montana Gov. Marc Racicot has taken himself out of consideration for attorney general, Fox News Channel reported Wednesday night, making Oklahoma Gov. Frank Keating the front-runner to head the Justice Department. Conservatives favor Keating over Racicot, Fox reported.
Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson is a possibility to head the Department of Health and Human Services, Fox reported.
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