Paulson praises Geithner's judgement in U.S. crisis

WASHINGTON Nov 24 (Reuters) - U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson on Monday praised his planned successor, New York Federal Reserve President Timothy Geithner, as a key architect of U.S. financial rescue plans who has strong leadership and judgement.

"I have the highest regard for Tim -- his judgement and creativity have been critical to designing and implementing the necessary actions we've taken to protect and strengthen our financial system," Paulson said in a statement after President-elect Barack Obama introduced Geithner as his choice for Treasury secretary.

"I have great confidence in his understanding of markets, his judgement and leadership, and his ability to meet the challenges that lie ahead," Paulson added. (Reporting by David Lawder, Editing by Chizu Nomiyama)