NSC Spokesman Leaving

Frederick Jones, the chief spokesman for the White House's National Security Council, is leaving the high-pressure post this month. Jones, a career Foreign Service officer who was named spokesman after Bush's reelection, has spent 3 1/2 years at the NSC.

Jones said that he will return to the State Department and that he plans to spend time with his wife, who is expecting a baby in January. But Jones said he also will explore other options, in case it is "time to enjoy the fruits of this robust economy."

Gordon Johndroe, director of strategic communications and planning at the State Department, was named yesterday as Jones's replacement. Johndroe has been with the Bush administration since the beginning, including a stint as Laura Bush's press secretary.

-- Glenn Kessler