Jan 7, 2009

Obama caused Democrat rift over Panetta pick

The president-elect and his surrogates are scrambling to mend a divide in Democratic ranks over the nomination of Leon Panetta (pictured) to head the Central Intelligence Agency.

Mr. Obama and his aides were trying to mend damage done on Monday when news of Mr. Panetta’s selection leaked before it had been shared with senior senators, and some Democrats responded with surprise and skepticism because Mr. Panetta lacks much intelligence experience.

Leaking the selection of the CIA head may make the confirmation of Panetta a little more difficult.

The president-elect may need to put out several other fires during his on-the-job training.

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