Bush set to nominate new national intelligence director

Retired Navy Vice Adm. J. M. (Mike) McConnell, who served as director of the National Security Agency from 1992-1996, is President Bush's choice to serve as director of national intelligence, a senior administration official said Thursday.

The official also confirmed widespread reports that current DNI John Negroponte will move to the State Department to serve as deputy to Secretary of State Rice, a job formerly held by Robert Zoellick.

Bush is expected to announce McConnell's nomination Friday. Since leaving the NSA, McConnell has been a senior vice president at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he has directed its military intelligence work.