Rumor alert – Mabus has gone to White House to discuss Sec. of Defense job

Rumor alert – Mabus has gone to White House to discuss Sec. of Defense

WASHINGTON — Is Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus moving up?

Mabus, given high grades for the job, is believed to be on the short list of candidates to replace Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who has said he is leaving.

Pentagon insiders have been mentioning Mabus’ name to be Pentagon chief in some industry publications, as part of a group that includes CIA Director Leon Panetta and Sen. Jack Reed, D-R.I.

“The rumor is that Mabus has been to the White House to discuss the job,” said Loren Thompson, a top defense consultant who is chief operating officer of the Lexington Institute, a Northern Va.-based think tank.

“I have heard numerous people say Mabus would like to have the job. All indications are that Mabus wants the job and he is being considered for the job among a select group of candidates.”

Sun Herald
4/13/11