Obama picks lobbyist as Pentagon No. 2
By RITA BEAMISH and ANNE GEARAN
Associated Press
January 9, 2009
Page 2 of 2
Lynn served at the Pentagon from 1993 to 2001 as undersecretary in charge of the budget and oversaw strategic planning. He earlier worked for Sen. Edward Kennedy, D-Mass.
Lynn has been an officer with Waltham, Mass.-based Raytheon since 2005.
The company, with 2007 sales of $21.3 billion, specializes in worldwide defense and homeland security-related sales.
Obama's transition office announced the names of several other Pentagon selections on Thursday, including Michele Flournoy for the No. 3 job as policy chief. Also a Clinton-era aide at the Pentagon, Flournoy has been the co-chair of Obama's Pentagon transition team.
In a statement, Obama said he is confident his picks will help build what he called a sustainable national security strategy that answers the threats of the 21st century.
Pentagon spokesman Geoff Morrell said Gates welcomes the selections and hopes for a quick confirmation. "Prompt hearings and confirmation will help ensure a smooth transition of power in the Pentagon as we continue to fight wars in Iraq and Afghanistan," he said.
Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I., a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said Obama's picks were "strong leaders who have shown strategic vision and pragmatism."
Reed said Lynn in particular brought "a great deal of wisdom and experience to the table."
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