"New Broom" To Head Chiefs Of Staff  —  Pace is out as Chief of Staff, in an unexpected move. … Mullen is obviously intended to repair bridges with America's European defense partners so damaged by Rummie's "Old Europe" policies.  In his bio, his experience in working with NATO and European officers is the big stand-out point.

Pace to be replaced at Joint Chiefs … WASHINGTON (CNN) — Anticipation of a "contentious" confirmation process on Capitol Hill prompted the decision to replace Gen. Peter Pace as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff when his term ends in September, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates said Friday.

General Peter Pace to Retire as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff  —  Gen. Peter Pace is being replaced as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, a move that reflects a feeling among top civilian officials at the Pentagon and in the White House that the American military needs new leadership …

Defections to Fred Thompson Pose a Major Threat to McCain  —  John Dowd represented Sen. John McCain in his darkest hour, the "Keating Five" scandal.  He supported McCain the first time he ran for president in 2000 and signed up to be a major fundraiser for him in this year's presidential race.

Fred Thompson plans late-June trip to NH  —  MANCHESTER - Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson will make his first visit to New Hampshire as a potential presidential candidate later this month, a high-ranking Republican says.  —  State Senate Minority Leader Ted Gatsas, R-Manchester …

Taking New Hampshire for granite  —  Relevance of the first-in-the-nation primary never more in doubt  —  Have you captured a candidate on camera?  We want to see it.  Click here to send us your pictures and videos, and we'll post the best on MSNBC.com.  —  Political Director