Report: Gration off list to head NASA

The New York Times reports that President Barack Obama will tap Maj. Gen. Jonathan Scott Gration to be his special envoy to Sudan.

That would take Gration, one of the president's top military and foreign policy advisers, out of the running to be NASA chief. FLORIDA TODAY has a call into the White House to confirm the appointment.

Gration had been floated as a possible NASA head, although that was met with a cool reception from U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson, who sits on the committee that will hold confirmation hearings for the nominee. Nelson urged Obama to select a candidate with a space background.

A handful of candidates remain on the shortlist to repace former NASA chief Michael Griffin, including Steve Isakowitz, a former NASA official now with the Energy Department. Former NASA astronaut Charles Bolden Jr., and retired Air Force general Lester Lyles also appear to be on the shortlist.

To read the New York Times story, click here.