White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs today defended the nomination of William Lynn as deputy defense secretary. Lynn was a registered lobbyist for Raytheon until March 30, 2008, though Obama had pledged "political appointees in an Obama-Biden administration will not be permitted to work on regulations or contracts directly and substantially related to their prior employer for two years."

Gibbs said it was Lynn's experience that made him "uniquely" qualified for the position. He then noted that watchdog groups had applauded President Obama's executive order on ethics and lobbyists signed on Jan. 21.

Here's the exchange from the press briefing with Gibbs on Jan. 22.

The Associated Press also says that Gibbs elaborated to reporters that under certain circumstances the experience of former lobbyists makes them "uniquely qualified" for positions, and that only a "limited number" of people will receive a waiver from Obama's no-lobbyist rule.

Meanwhile, Bloomberg is reporting that Lynn's confirmation has been delayed until the White House provides more details on how Lynn will avoid conflicts of interest at Defense.

                                                                                                                     --Bara Vaida