Will Leon Panetta Remain As US Secretary Of Defense?

Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta conducts a press conference during his flight to Perth, Australia, Nov. 12, 2012. Panetta participated in Veterans Day ceremonies in Hawaii Nov. 11, before continuing on a six-day trip to Australia and the Asia-Pacific region. DOD photo by Erin A. Kirk-Cuomo

Panetta Says He Will Stay in Washington to Meet Challenges -- US Department of Defense

BOARD A MILITARY AIRCRAFT, Nov. 12, 2012 – Amid speculation that he will excuse himself from President Barack Obama’s second-term national security team, Defense Secretary Leon E. Panetta said today his immediate goal is to finish the job he began in 2010.

“It’s no secret that at some point I’d like to get back to California,” Panetta told reporters traveling with him on his fourth official trip to the Asia-Pacific region. “It’s my home.” The secretary and he and his wife, Sylvia, founded the Panetta Institute for Public Policy there in 1997.

But in Washington, Panetta said, he is grappling with defense issues that range from looming spending cuts and budget issues to long-term planning in Afghanistan, “and the president and I are working very closely to make sure that we meet those defense challenges.”

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More News On Comments From Leon Panetta That He May Continue To Stay In Washington As US Secretary Of Defense

Will he stay in job? Pentagon chief says: "Who the hell knows?" -- Chicago Tribune/Reuters
Panetta on staying as Pentagon chief: 'Who the hell knows?' -- AFP
Panetta will remain defense secretary ... at least for now -- The Patriot
Panetta not to quit Obama Cabinet right now -- Economic Times
Post-Election Change at Pentagon? -- Defense News

My Comment: Considering who they are thinking of replacing him with, I hope that Panetta remains for another 4 years. But .... he will probably be leaving after a deal is done to avoid sequestration .... or if it happens, he will stay to sort out the mess. After that .... it's back to California and taking time to enjoy a different life away from the spotlight.