Warner applauds Obama's security picks

WASHINGTON (AP) - Republican Sen. John Warner of Virginia says the three people President-elect Barack Obama is considering to lead his national security team would instill great confidence at home and abroad.

Democratic and transition officials have said that Obama has picked or is considering picking Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of state and retired Marine Gen. James Jones as national security adviser, and retaining Robert Gates as defense secretary.

In a statement issued Saturday, Warner said that Obama's national security team further strengthens what he calls "the growing respect" for Obama's courage and ability to exercise sound judgment in selecting the best and the brightest to implement the nation's security policies.