Ridge is widely known as a moderate Republican—he supports abortion rights and has in the past supported increases in the minimum wage.

According to Congressional Quarterly, while a member of Congress in the 1980s, Ridge was more likely to oppose President Reagan on key votes than to support him.

Ridge is also a close friend of President Bush—a friendship dating back to their work on George H.W. Bush’s unsuccessful 1980 bid for the Republican presidential nomination.

In his speech on Thursday, Bush called Ridge “a trusted friend.”

Because of his views, Ridge’s name was often mentioned during the first half of 2000 as a possible vice-presidential running mate for Bush, as a way to make the ticket more attractive to moderates and Democrats.

However, such rumors died when many conservatives objected to Ridge’s positions on abortion.

The Harvard experts expressed little surprise at Bush’s decision to name Ridge to the Homeland Defense office.

“It’s a choice that was sensible,” Howitt said.

Kayyem said she thought it wise to name someone not previously affiliated with an agency that works to prevent terrorism—such as the military or the FBI—since they might be unable to make unbiased decisions. She also said Bush and Ridge’s friendship will likely give Ridge greater importance in the administration.

—Staff writer Daniel P. Mosteller can be reached at dmostell@fas.harvard.edu.