The resignation of Donald Rumsfeld has a lot of Republicans stratching their heads over the timing of it all. One of the biggest problems this Administration has experienced with its GOP base is the handling of the war in Iraq. Contrary to popular opinion - not every Republican or Moderate was thrilled with the way this Administration has conducted itself, and many feel that an earlier resignation from Rumsfeld - prior to the elections, may have gone a long way toward re-establishing faith that this Administration wants to do the right thing.

“The White House said keeping the majority was a priority, but they failed to do the one thing that could have made a difference,” one House GOP leadership aide said Thursday. “For them to toss Rumsfeld one day after the election was a slap in the face to everyone who worked hard to protect the majority.”

Exit polling suggested that an overwhelming majority of voters disapproved of the administration’s handling of the war in Iraq, and members and aides were frustrated with the timing of the announcement because an earlier resignation could have given them a boost on the campaign trail, they believe.

“They did this to protect themselves, but they couldn’t protect us?” another Republican aide said yesterday. - GOP furious about timing of Rumsfeld resignation