Politics & Government

In EG, Sen. Reed Hedges On CIA Job

He doesn't say no unequivocally when asked if he would take the position if President Obama asked.


Sen. Jack Reed didn't say yes, but he also didn't say no Friday in East Greenwich when he was asked if he would take over as head of the CIA if asked to by President Obama.

Reed was on Main Street Friday afternoon to visit a variety of small businesses and promote Small Business Saturday (Nov. 24).

With the recent resignation of David H. Petraeus as CIA director, Reed's name has been circulated as a possible replacement. Reed, a West Point graduate, is frequently mentioned as a potential Obama appointee to national security positions.

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On Friday, outside of Indigo Path Flowers on Main Street, Reed said he thought the acting CIA director would be a good person for the permanent job. He added, "I am priviledged to be a senator from Rhode Island and I hope I continue to do that."

Reed spokesman Chip Unruh said later on Friday all the speculation was a "Washington parlor game."

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Unruh continued, "He loves his job and he wants to keep it. I think he's made it very clear that he doesn't want to be asked."


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