WASHINGTON (AP) -- Defense Secretary Robert Gates used to keep a clock on his desk that ticked off the days he had left to serve in the Bush administration.
Since staying on as Pentagon chief for President Barack Obama, Gates has tossed out that "countdown clock."
Gates says he and Obama agreed to leave open the length of time he would remain at the Pentagon. When asked on ABC's "This Week" if he would be in the position for the long haul, Gates replied, "We'll see."
Republican Sen. John McCain says he hopes Gates will remain as head of the Defense Department for a long time.
President George W. Bush appointed Gates to succeed Donald H. Rumsfeld as Pentagon chief. Gates has been defense secretary since December 2006.
E-Mail Story
Print Story
