BUSH PICKS RICE AS SECURITY CHIEF PRESIDENT-ELECT TOUTS DIVERSITY IN HIS NEW ADMINISTRATION

Hours before embarking on a goodwill mission to Washington,President-elect George W. Bush named Condoleezza Rice, a Russiaspecialist in his father's administration, as his national securityadviser Sunday.

As he started building his White House staff, Bush also named twoTexans to key posts. As White House counsel, he chose Alberto R.Gonzales, a Texas Supreme Court justice who formerly served as Bush'scounsel in the governor's office. Bush also named Karen Hughes, alongtime adviser and the collaborator on his autobiography, ascounselor to the president, responsible for strategic planning,communications and speechwriting.

Asked if he was sending a message with his first …