President Obama to pick Reed adviser for Pentagon post

[babylonsister]

Obama to pick Reed adviser for Pentagon post
By Roxana Tiron
Posted: 03/14/09 12:27 AM


Sen. Jack Reed’s (D-R.I.) senior policy adviser and counsel is expected to be named as the Pentagon’s next head of legislative affairs.

Elizabeth King, Reed’s right hand and close confidant on military issues, is expected to become the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Legislative Affairs, sources familiar with the choice told The Hill.

The position is critical to the Pentagon’s relationship with Congress and the executive branch, and King would take on the job at a sensitive time. The Defense budget is under scrutiny, and Obama is withdrawing troops from Iraq while bolstering them in Afghanistan.

King would also be the Pentagon’s first line of defense for new policies implemented by the new administration.

The White House has not made her nomination official and White House spokesman Tommy Vietor declined to comment. Reed’s office also declined comment. King will have to be confirmed by the Senate to take the position.

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http://thehill.com/leading-the-news/obama-expected-to-pick-reed-adviser-for-pentagon-post-2009-03-14.html