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WHITE HOUSE (AP) -- Two of President Bush�s staunchest allies in fighting terror and cutting taxes are stepping down.

Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Don Evans have resigned. They were lightning rods for criticism as they advanced the president�s agenda.

Many thought Ashcroft was too conservative and his anti-terror policies infringed on people�s rights. But Bush says Ashcroft served with honor and �worked tirelessly to help make our country safer.�

Evans is a longtime friend of the president and helped champion his plans to cut taxes. Bush praised his efforts saying he tried to �advance economic security and prosperity for all Americans.�

Talk now centers on who will take over. Speculation about a successor to Ashcroft focuses on his former deputy, Larry Thompson.  And Bush is considering his year�s campaign money man, Mercer Reynolds, for Evans� job at Commerce.