Obama plans to nominate King as education secretary

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Barack Obama will nominate Dr. John B. King Jr. to serve as Education Department secretary after receiving commitments from lawmakers to give his nomination speedy consideration, the White House said Thursday.

"For proper accountability, especially as we work with the administration on implementing the new law governing elementary and secondary education, it is important to have in charge of the department a member of the president's cabinet confirmed by the United States Senate," Alexander said.