Hours after Democrats gained control of the House of Representatives and the Senate, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld resigned from his position, a move that surprised MSU officials.
Rumsfeld, who held the position for almost six years, put the war in Iraq at the center of his resignation.
Republican officials questioned the war's management and hinted to President Bush about replacing Rumsfeld, along with a growing number of other politicians urging Bush to replace Rumsfeld.
Mike Craw, assistant professor of social relations, said he was surprised to hear of Rumsfeld's resignation, but it was a "step in the right direction."
"Obviously, the Democrats won big. It is a sign that, already, Democrats have an influence on how the war is handled," Craw said, adding that Bush is still the commander in chief.
The military expressed its dissatisfaction in a military publication editorial, calling for Rumsfeld's resignation, Craw said.
It is unusual for the publication to comment on civilian leaders, he added.
"It is a clear sign the American people are disappointed on how the war has been managed," Craw said. "I am surprised (Bush) nominated someone because he doesn't know who is going to control the Senate."
As secretary of defense, Rumsfeld was the chief civilian in charge of operations of the Department of Defense and was the key adviser on defensive matters, Craw said.
The president nominates a candidate to fill the vacant position and the Senate has to confirm his choice, Craw said.
Bush said Robert M. Gates, 63, a national security veteran and current president of Texas A&M University, will be nominated to replace Rumsfeld.
"Secretary Rumsfeld and I agreed that sometimes it's necessary to have a fresh perspective," Bush said in the abrupt announcement during a postelection news conference.
Jeff Wiggins, chairman of the MSU Republicans, said he did not see Rumsfeld's resignation coming, but Bush's reasoning for fresh leadership rings true.
"I trust their judgment," Wiggins said. "They know better than I do."
Wiggins said Gates is a good choice because of his experience. Since Gates served under George Bush Sr., President Bush obviously trusts him, Wiggins said.
"It is interesting to see how everything pans out," he said. "I think it is all for the better."
Karissa Chabot, president of the MSU Democrats said she was surprised to hear Rumsfeld's decision, but said it could potentially change the country's situation in Iraq.
"On the other hand, others have been calling for it for some time now," Chabot said. "Hopefully the new person will come up with a plan for some kind of deployment of our troops."
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
