Obama may round out national security team next week

WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama may round out his new national security leadership team next week, with a nomination for defence secretary expected and a pick to lead the CIA possible.

Former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel of Nebraska is the front-runner for the top Pentagon post. Acting CIA Director Michael Morell and Obama counterterrorism adviser John Brennan are leading contenders to head the spy agency.

White House aides said the president has not made a final decision on either post and won't until he returns from Hawaii, where he is vacationing with his family. Mr Obama is due back in Washington Sunday morning.

Mr Obama nominated Senator John Kerry to replace Hillary Clinton as secretary of state in December, his first step in filling out his second term Cabinet and national security team. Mr Kerry, as well as the nominees for the Pentagon and CIA, must be confirmed by the Senate.