Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge could move up to eighth in the line of presidential succession, leapfrogging 10 other Cabinet members in a congressional effort to better prepare for a catastrophic attack on Washington. Under legislation approved by the Senate and now pending in the House, Ridge would move from 18th to eighth, behind Attorney General John Ashcroft and in front of Interior Secretary Gale Norton, in the line to succeed the president in a disaster. The measure sped through the Senate without debate last Friday. Ridge, asked about the legislation, said Monday, “One of our responsibilities obviously is continuity of government … and where the Congress thinks the secretary should fit, that’s their judgment. I’m satisfied with it.” Full Story