Dennis Blair 's resignation as director of national intelligence effective May 28 . John Hamre , a defense official in the Clinton administration ; retired Air Force Lt. Gen. Jim Clapper , defense undersecretary for intelligence ; and former Sen. Chuck Hagel , R-Nebraska , are considered top contenders . Blair was n't expected to resign for another month , senior intelligence officials say . Comment: CNN national security contributor : No `` real chemistry '' between Blair , President Obama .
Dennis Blair 's resignation as director of national intelligence effective May 28 . Blair was n't expected to resign for another month , senior intelligence officials say . Comment: CNN national security contributor : No `` real chemistry '' between Blair , President Obama .