White House to Shake Up Intelligence Community

President Barack Obama is set to announce changes to his national security team Thursday. Rumors swirl around Washington today that the President will tap current CIA chief Leon Panetta as Defense Secretary, replacing the retiring Robert Gates. General David Petraeus is rumored to be the choice to replace Panetta as CIA chief.

The changes come at a crucial time for both agencies. The defense department is dealing with wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as playing a supporting role in Libya. The department is also first in line for budget cuts, as defense costs have skyrocketed in the last decade. Panetta has a background in budgeting, including a stint as budget director for President Bill Clinton. The experience might come in handy, as appropriators and the administration look to trim the fat from the Pentagon.

The nominees are expected to have bipartisan support in the Senate. Former President George W. Bush had this to say about the nominations. “You know, both of them are good men,” he said. “I have the great respect for David Petraeus, I got to know him well. I also got to know Leon Panetta, not as well as I did David. Both of them are good public servants and I wish them well.”

The Obama administration is also expected to announce that Marine Gen. John Allen will replace Petraeus in Afghanistan, and that Ryan Crocker, U.S. ambassador to Iraq from 2007 to 2009, will replace U.S. ambassador to Afghanistan Karl Eikenberry.