CIA chief's departure adds to Obama's to-do list

WASHINGTON (AFP) - Fresh from re-election, President Barack Obama's already full plate got fuller with the resignation of CIA chief David Petraeus over an extramarital affair, giving him another high-profile position to fill.

The revelation brought a startling end to the four-star general's stellar career, one so productive it had even sparked speculation he would one day run for the White House.

"After being married for over 37 years, I showed extremely poor judgment by engaging in an extramarital affair," the CIA director said in a message to staff that was released to the media Friday.

Mr Obama acknowledged Mr Petraeus's departure, praising his "intellectual rigour, dedication, and patriotism." But there was no denying it added to the president's headache over the makeup of his new administration, which is already expected to lose heavyweights such as Secretary of State Hillary Clinton.