Chuck Hagel is new SecDef and John Brennan, CIA Director

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http://seattletimes.com/html/politics/2020076466_apusobamanationalsecurity.html

Digging in for a fight, President Barack Obama riled both Republicans and Democrats on Monday by nominating former senator and combat veteran Chuck Hagel to lead the Pentagon and anti-terrorism chief John Brennan as the next director of the Central Intelligence Agency.

Hagel would be the first enlisted soldier and first Vietnam veteran to head the Pentagon.

For Obama, a pair of combative confirmation hearings could turn into a distraction as he opens his second term. But the president signaled he was ready to take that risk.

"These two leaders have dedicated their lives to protecting our country," Obama said, standing alongside them and the men they would succeed during a ceremony in the White House East Room.

"I urge the Senate to confirm them as soon as possible so we can keep our nation secure and the American people safe."