Brennan to replace Petraeus - WLTZ 38 | Columbus Georgia Regional News & Community

By Sandra Endo (CNN)-He's been the President's Homeland Security and Counterterrorism advisor since 2009.  
Now President Obama wants John Brennan to head the CIA.  

"John knows what our national security demands, intelligence that provides policymakers with the facts." Brennan is known for aggressively going after suspected terrorists, supporting the use of drones, and he was closely involved in planning the raid on Osama bin Laden.  

Brennan would replace retired General David Petraeus.  
"Leading the agency that I served for 25 years would be the greatest privilege as well as the greatest responsibility of my professional life".

President Obama's choice to replace outgoing Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta is former Republican Senator Chuck Hagel.  

"In Chuck Hagel, our troops see a decorated combat veteran of character and strength. They see one of our own."

"I am also grateful for the opportunity to help cont. to strengthen our country and strengthen our country's alliances and advance global freedom, decency and humanity."

Hagel has been critical of U.S. Policy in Afghanistan and has said the defense budget is bloated.  
While the Vietnam vet would be a nod to bipartisanship, some Republicans and pro-Israel groups are voicing opposition.

"I would suspect at the end of the day there's votes against him in the United States Senate but by and large I think both sides of the aisle realize that Chuck Hagel is exceptionally well qualified for this  job." 

Despite Hagel's critics, the White House appears confident both nominees will be confirmed.