WASHINGTON (AP) — President Bush has named former Sen. Howard Baker to be ambassador to Japan, saying he was proud to tap "a true statesman" for the important diplomatic post.
Baker would replace former House Speaker Tom Foley and would continue a trend of prominent politicians serving in Tokyo.
"Howard Baker will represent our country with honor and distinction," Bush said in a statement. "Howard Baker is a true statesman and the appointment of a man of his experience and expertise exemplifies the importance I place on the relationship between the U.S. and Japan."
Baker, 75, made an unsuccessful run for the White House in 1980. He served 18 years in the Senate, four of them as majority leader, and became chief of staff to former President Ronald Reagan in 1987.