NEW YORK TIMES: …The nomination of [Ashton B.] Carter was seen as perhaps the best chance for a smooth confirmation process through the newly Republican-controlled Senate. Top Republicans, including Mr. McCain, had expressed admiration for him in recent years.
He was also seen as a good choice to manage the Pentagon as it continues to struggle with the across-the-board spending cuts known as sequestration. Mr. Carter, who managed a $600 billion annual budget in his previous post, pushed lawmakers to lift the mandatory cuts during his confirmation hearing…
A physicist and former Pentagon official who oversaw the purchase of weapons systems, Mr. Carter began his career at the Defense Department as an assistant secretary charged with international security policy during the Clinton administration… (more)
