Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Chairman Chris Dodd, Connecticut Democrat, said today he is skeptical of President Bush's pick to replace outgoing Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson, whose term ends today.

Bush today named Steve Preston (pictured at left), head of the Small Business Administration, as his pick to head the agency. Jackson, who resigned from his post recently, is the subject of a federal grand jury investigation into suspected cronyism involving a multimillion dollar redevelopment project in New Orleans.

Preston must be approved by the Senate, and Bush urged that body to "quickly consider" the nominee and ratify him on a timely basis."

"He's a hardworking, dedicated professional," Bush said during remarks announcing his choice. "In fact, he was confirmed to his current post by the United States Senate without a single vote in opposition. Let's hope the streak continues."

However, Bush's hope could be unfulfilled, as Dodd today expressed concerns that Preston's background is not housing-centric. Dodd's committee must approve the nominee before his name can be sent for full Senate consideration.

"[T]he president's choice has no apparent housing background, which raises questions," Dodd said in a statement. "Nevertheless, I look forward to learning more about Mr. Preston and his qualifications for this important job at this trying time in our nation's economy."

— Carrie Sheffield, Web editor, The Washington Times