Obama defends choice of Panetta to head CIA

By Steve Holland

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - President-elect Barack Obama gave a strong defense on Tuesday of his choice to lead the CIA, Leon Panetta, in the face of criticism that Panetta lacks experience on intelligence matters.

Two senior Democrats, California Sen. Dianne Feinstein and West Virginia Sen. Jay Rockefeller, raised questions on Monday about Panetta's limited intelligence expertise after word leaked out that Panetta had been picked by Obama for CIA.

"I have the utmost respect for Leon Panetta," Obama told reporters when asked about the criticism of Panetta. "He brings extraordinary management skills, great political savvy, an impeccable record of integrity."

Panetta, 70, is a former White House chief of staff for President Bill Clinton and was a well-regarded member of Congress from California.

But news that he would be nominated to lead the CIA raised eyebrows around Washington, where officials are more accustomed to intelligence professionals at the helm of the spy agency.

Democratic officials later said that Obama spoke on Tuesday to Feinstein and Rockefeller about intelligence issues.

The president-elect had "very good conversations" with the two senators, according to an Obama aide. "They shared views about the future direction of intelligence and their desire to consult closely on these issues," said the aide, who gave no other details.

Feinstein said Vice President-elect Joe Biden also contacted her to lobby for the Panetta pick. "I look forward to speaking with Mr. Panetta about the critical issues facing the intelligence community and his plans to address them," she said.