Breaking News: Obama names former top defense official Ashton Carter as pick to run Pentagon

Obama names former top defense official Ashton Carter as pick to run Pentagon Los Angeles Times | December 5, 2014 | 7:42 AM President Obama today nominated former top Defense Department official Ashton B. Carter to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. Obama described Carter as an innovator, a reformer and "one of nation's foremost national security leaders." "On day one, he's going to fit the ground running," the president said. Obama formally announced his choice from the White House. Hagel, who was pushed out of the post late last month, was expected to attend the event, but backed out at last minute. For the latest information go towww.latimes.com.