Kerry, Hagel front-runners to lead State, Defense

By Donna Cassata

Published December 14, 2012 7:59pm ET

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Kerry, Hagel front-runners to lead State, Defense — FILE - This Nov. 28, 2012 file photo shows UN Ambassador Susan Rice leaving a meeting on Capitol Hill in Washington. Rice has withdrawn from consideration for secretary of state. (AP Photo/ Evan Vucci, File) | Evan Vucci

WASHINGTON (AP) — Democratic Sen. John Kerry, who unsuccessfully sought the presidency in 2004 and has pined for the job of top diplomat, vaulted to the head of President Barack Obama’s short list of secretary of state candidates after U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice suddenly withdrew from consideration to avoid a contentious confirmation fight with emboldened Republicans.

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