Projo Politics Blog

WASHINGTON -- Sen. Jack Reed is once again waxing Shermanesque in reponse to a recurrence of speculation that he might replace President Obama's most prominent carry-over from the Bush administration, Defense Secretary Robert Gates.

Mentions on various short lists -- especially musings about possible picks for vice-president or for secretary of defense -- have been a feature of the Rhode Island Democrat's life since long before it was clear who would be his party's presidential nominee in 2008. At several points during the past year, Reed has flatly stated that he would accept no such position and that he has widely broadcast his desire to the Senate. High interest focused on Reed, a former Army officer who is considered an influential Senate voice on military issues, when he helped to guide presidential candidate (and Senate colleague) Barack Obama on a tour of Afghanistan and Iraq last summer.

Reed was asked again today: Would you rule out any kind of appointive position in the Obama administration?

``I would,'' he replied. ``And I think it's safe to say that no such offer has been made.''

Read more on Senator Reed in our special report, A Humble Path to Power

 Tags  Defense Department Gates Jack Reed Obama Senate

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