Already 2,600 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan have flooded back into the service area for the Spokane Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

They’re the newest wave of former military members whose very lives will depend on the quality of leadership in the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. On Tuesday, R. James Nicholson announced his resignation as its secretary. Now President Bush has the opportunity to demonstrate his lasting commitment to the welfare of the troops he has asked to fight these wars.

He must select a leader who is not only highly competent and experienced in this field, but also devoted to the health and well-being of veterans rather than party loyalty.

This administration has too often focused on the latter.

Nicholson himself, while a Vietnam War veteran, pursued a career as an attorney and real estate developer and served four years as chairman of the Republican National Committee. He was first rewarded with an appointment as ambassador to the Vatican, and 2 1/2 years ago he was named to the VA.

During his tenure, he’s defended the administration’s failure to plan for an influx of Iraq veterans. He’s come under criticism for a backlog of 400,000 pending disability claims, lost paperwork and personnel shortages.

He’s not been known for his responsiveness. In February, Eastern Washington’s Republican congresswoman, Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, sent him a letter asking for an update on three major health initiatives at the Spokane and Walla Walla facilities. Four months later she had not heard back from him.

Earlier this month, former Surgeon General Richard H. Carmona told a congressional panel of the current administration’s efforts to limit his discussion of significant public health issues. He said he was prevented from speaking or issuing reports on such topics as stem cells, emergency contraception and sex education.

The federal government’s leaders must be free to safeguard the interests of the American public. They must not be hampered by party politics.

The next VA secretary must ensure that returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans receive the care they need for this war’s signature wounds: post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury. They also must address the needs of female veterans suffering from military sexual trauma.

A well-chosen leader can prevent our troops from making unnecessary