Obama Weighs Slimmed-Down List For Pentagon Chief

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama is weighing a slimmed-down list of candidates to become his next defense secretary, as top contenders pull their names from consideration for what is typically a highly sought-after Cabinet spot.

The short list to replace outgoing Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel now includes longtime public servants who have deep Pentagon experience, but may be less likely to give Obama's national security agenda a jolt. Among the possible nominees are former deputy defense secretary Ashton Carter and Robert Work, who now holds the Pentagon's No. 2 job.

Homeland Security Secretary Jeh Johnson was considered for the Pentagon post, but has told the White House he'd rather stay put, according to people familiar with the process. Former Pentagon officials Michele Flournoy also took her name out of contention.