By JENNIFER LOVEN
Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Ed Gillespie, a Republican strategist and former head of the national party, is replacing Dan Bartlett as White House counselor, according to a senior administration official.

The president is having lunch Wednesday with Gillespie and Bartlett and making the announcement afterward, said the official, who requested anonymity because Bush had not yet talked.

Gillespie will take on Bartlett’s same duties and title as a senior presidential adviser, the official said. He starts June 27, in order to have some overlap with Bartlett, who is leaving around July 4.

Bartlett, 36, has been one of Bush’s most trusted advisers, a constant member of the president’s inner circle, and is his longest’serving aide. He announced his resignation on June 1 to begin a career outside of government.

As a former Republican National Committee chairman whom the president has long trusted, Gillespie’s name has surfaced nearly every time there was a significant opening looming in the Bush White House. When it seemed political guru Karl Rove might be forced out because of the CIA leak investigation, for instance, Gillespie was speculated to be one choice as a possible replacement. Same for when former chief of staff Andrew Card was leaving.

Gillespie now is chairman of the Virginia Republican Party. He chaired the national party through President Bush’s 2004 re-election, is a national GOP strategist and was a campaign adviser to Sen. George Allen’s failed re-election bid in Virginia.

Bush also entrusted Gillespie to help guide Samuel Alito’s successful confirmation process for a Supreme Court seat.

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