Obama team fights rumors on Nunn

President-elect Barack Obama’s transition team Wednesday bucked reports that Sam Nunn, former chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, would play a leading role in reworking the Pentagon for the next administration.

The former Georgia senator will act as an informal senior adviser to the transition team regarding defense, said Obama spokeswoman Stephanie Cutter, contradicting reports that he was hired to lead the effort.

“His expertise and the respect he has earned will be invaluable to ensure a smooth transition,” Ms. Cutter said. “However, he is not playing a role in the transition process.”

She said the members of agency review team likely will be announced later this week.

Mr. Nunn, a former Georgia senator, was once rumored as a potential running mate for Mr. Obama and reports of his prominence in the Pentagon transition quickly spread Wednesday morning.

Mr. Obama also beat back reports that former Secretary of State Warren Christopher would advise Obama on his State Department transition.

“There’s a lot of disinformation out there,” Ms. Cutter said.