US President George W. Bush on Wednesday appointed Harriet Miers as White House counsel to replace Alberto Gonzales, who was named by the president to be the new attorney general.

Her appointment does not require Senate confirmation.

"Harriet Miers is a trusted adviser on whom I have long relied for straightforward advice" and "has the keen judgment and discerning intellect necessary to be an outstanding counsel," Bushsaid in a statement.

Harriet, who was Bush's personal lawyer in Texas, was brought by Bush to Washington when he took office in 2001. She first served as the president's staff secretary before being promoted todeputy chief of staff in June 2003.

Earlier Wednesday, Bush named White House domestic policy adviser Margaret Spellings to be education secretary, to replace departing secretary Rod Paige.

Source: Xinhua