Transportation Secretary Norman Mineta – although expected to step down – was not one of four members of President George W. Bush’s Cabinet whose departures were confirmed by the White House Monday.

In addition to Secretary of State Colin Powell, others whose resignations were confirmed Monday, Nov. 15, included Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman, Education Secretary Rod Paige and Energy Secretary Spencer Abraham.

The departures of Attorney General John Ashcroft and Commerce Secretary Donald Evans had been announced days earlier – bringing the total number of resignations since Election Day to six of the 15 Cabinet members.

A number of news agencies have reported speculation that Mineta – the only Democrat on the Cabinet – is expected to step down.

Bush has chosen White House counsel Alberto Gonzales to succeed Ashcroft.

The Associated Press reported that Powell, who long has been rumored to have been planning only a single term with Bush, told his aides that he intends to leave once Bush settles on a successor, said officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The White House was preparing an announcement. According to one official, Powell expects that his departure date will be sometime in January. It was not immediately clear whether he would leave before Bush’s second inauguration, on Jan 20.