Looks like just a place-holder bureaucrat to finish off Obama’s term. That’s probably the best idea and, frankly, the best Obama can get at this point. No top tier candidate is willing to take that role under these conditions.

Washington (CNN) — Ashton Carter, the former second-in-command at the Pentagon, appears to be the top choice to replace outgoing Secretary Chuck Hagel.

Barring any last minute complications, Ash Carter will be President Barack Obama’s choice as the new Secretary of Defense, several U.S. administration officials told CNN.