Former Bush spokesman Tony Snow dies of cancer

WASHINGTON - Conservative commentator and former White House press secretary Tony Snow has died of cancer.

Snow, 53, was a broadcaster for Fox News Channel and Fox News Radio when he replaced Scott McClellan as President Bush's press secretary in May 2006.
Snow served just 17 months as press secretary, a tenure interrupted by his second bout with cancer. He resigned as Bush's chief spokesman six months later, in September 2007, citing a need to earn more money. He then joined CNN as a commentator.

Snow brought partisan zeal and the skills of a seasoned performer to the task of explaining and defending the president's policies. He was popular at the White House and beyond for cheerfully sparring with reporters.

He died Saturday morning at a Washington hospital.