McConnell praises Panetta, Petraeus nominations

Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) praised President Obama's decision to nominate CIA Director Leon Panetta to be the next secretary of defense and Gen. David Petraeus to be the next CIA director.

In a statement released while Obama was formally making the announcement of his selections at a press conference on Thursday, McConnell said that the country faces "myriad challenges" and that Obama should be "commended" for choosing Panetta and Petraeus.

"In preparing to face these challenges the President is to be commended for choosing competence and continuity in asking General Petraeus to serve as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Leon Panetta as Secretary of Defense," McConnell said. "I have valued working with both of these leaders.”

The decision to name Panetta and Petraeus was made known before the formal announcement, according to an administration official in a conference call with reporters Wednesday.

In a separate statement, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) praised the picks as well.

“I am glad that both of these distinguished leaders will continue to serve the Administration and provide continuity on our national security agenda," Reid said. "General Petraeus and Director Panetta will ensure smooth transitions during a critical point for American foreign policy – in the midst of two wars, with continued unrest in the Middle East and as we face ongoing threats from international terrorism.”

Panetta will succeed Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and Petraeus will be Panetta's replacement.

Petraeus had previously served as the top commander of coalition forces in Afghanistan.

At the press conference Thursday Obama said Petraeus would retire from the Army to head the CIA.

Secretary Gates said June 30 would be his last day on the job.