Tom Ridge, the former Pennsylvania governor and U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, is being considered as the next Penn State president. He would replace Graham Spanier, whose handling of

has been lambasted by critics both within the Penn State community and nationwide.

a source close to the board in saying that the trustees are "weighing the possibility" of having Ridge replace Spanier.

The board will meet as soon as tonight to talk about the unfolding scandal and the university's response. Many board members are said to have been furious that they have been kept out of the loop at key points since the charges against Sandusky were filed on Friday, including the fact that Spanier sent out a statement offering "unconditional support" for Athletic Director Tim Curley and college vice president Gary Schultz, both indicted for perjury and not reporting a sexual assault in the case.

Last night, the board

it shared the sense of betrayal that many in the public felt, and promised "swift, decisive action."

The Patriot-News does not have independent information from our own sources that Ridge is being considered, and will report developments as we have them.