Obama Considering John Kerry for Defense Secretary Job

The Senator served in Vietnam

President Obama is considering Senator John Kerry to serve as his next defense secretary. Administration officials said Kerry's qualifications for the job included his naval service in Vietnam, and his knowledge of the budget and experience in the diplomacy that has increasingly become a part of the defense portfolio. Kerry did not comment on his possible nomination. A spokeswoman, Jodi Seth, said: ‘‘Senator Kerry’s only focus right now is his job as senior senator from Massachusetts and chairman of the Foreign Relations Committee.’’ Although Kerry is thought to covet the job of secretary of state, senior administration officials familiar with transition planning said that nomination will almost certainly go to Susan Rice, the US ambassador to the United Nations. (Boston)

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