Bumiller to write Rice bio

The New York Observer reports that New York Times reporter Elizabeth Bumiller is taking a leave of absence to pen a biography of Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice:

Ms. Bumiller plans to go on a yearlong book leave beginning in June. Reached by phone on Feb. 27, she confirmed her book plans but declined to discuss specifics.

“I’m writing a biography of Condi,” she said.

The NYO reports also that Bumiller's husband, Times diplomatic correspondent Steven Weisman, is being kicked off of his beat for the duration of Bumiller's project.

“It was a judgment call,” [Times Executive Editor Bill] Keller wrote. “Our concern was that while Elisabeth is striving for close access to the Secretary of State, anything Steve writes about her might be suspected of pulling punches. These are two professionals of the highest integrity …. And in this case the perception of a conflict is relatively easy to avoid.”