First the news:

“Anticipation of a “contentious” confirmation process on Capitol Hill prompted the decision to replace Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when his term ends in September, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday.

Gates said he will recommend to President Bush that he nominate Adm. Michael G. Mullen, chief of naval operations, to the post.

Pace’s renomination to another two-year term had been widely expected, and his nomination papers already had been drafted.

But Gates said some members of Congress warned him that — despite their respect for Pace — the focus of any renomination hearing for the general would be on the past, rather than the future, and would be “a very contentious process.”

“I am disappointed that circumstances make this kind of a decision necessary. I just think a divisive ordeal at this point is not in the interest of the country or the men and women in uniform or of the individuals,” Gates told reporters. “But I think it’s a realistic appraisal of where we are.”

Gates told Bush two weeks ago that talks with Congress regarding Pace were going poorly, National Security Council spokesman Gordon Johndroe told CNN.

“Last night, Secretary Gates called [national security adviser] Steve Hadley, and Steve Hadley informed the president this morning that Secretary Gates was going to go forward with what had been previously discussed — that they would not be able to go forward with General Pace’s renomination because consultations with the Hill had not gone well,” Johndroe said.”

So once again we see that Democrats were prepared to place National Security on the sacrificial alter of their desire to show their collective asses.

No wonder their approval rating is in the crapper.

So who’s to replace him?

Admiral Mike Mullen (Freaking Navy), another fave of the uber funny bones.

How will he do in confirmations, read his glowing glowing praise.