Spy chief still looking for deputy director

New U.S. national intelligence director Mike McConnell is searching for a deputy director, a position that has gone unfilled for almost a year, according to the Associated Press.

The No. 2 slot has been open since May when Gen. Michael Hayden left the position to take the lead at the CIA. An official took over the job in an acting capacity but left in January when his term expired.

The position is seen as crucial in helping oversee the operations of the 16 U.S. intelligence-gathering agencies and coordinating efforts with the White House and other policy-making bodies.

"It is an absolutely vital intelligence community and intelligence reform position," McConnell spokesman Chad Kolton said yesterday. "But in addition to moving quickly, we want to make sure we find the right person for the job."

Six candidates have either been rejected by the White House or have declined to accept the position, sources familiar with discussions about the position told the AP.

Candidates are reported to include CIA veterans John Brennan, director of the National Counterterrorism Center, Leo Hazlewood and Charles Allen, now lead intelligence officer with the Homeland Security Department.