This blog reported last month that SAIC executive (and Marine Corps Reserve General and Senate Armed Services Committee Staff Director) Arnold L. Punaro had emerged as the likely Obama Administration nominee for SECARMY, but noted that the nomination remained imperiled by a long-standing rift between Mr. Punaro and Senate Armed Services Committee Ranking Member John McCain (R-Arizona) related to the failed SECDEF nomination of Senator John Tower two decades ago.  Now comes news that although the would-be Punaro nomination has obtained the blessing of Senator McCain and the Punaro paperwork is complete, it may be coming up against an even more immovable object in the Obama Administration's strict ethics policy.  Although the President decided to waive the policy (which effectively bars former industry lobbyists from serving in the Obama Administration) in the case of new Deputy Secretary of Defense (and former Raytheon lobbyist) William J. Lynn, DSJ is hearing that there is substantial internal opposition to allowing another high-profile exception to the President's high-minded directive in the case of Mr. Punaro.   Who's next?  DSJ is told that Boeing executive and former Podesta Group principal David H. Morrison may be waiting in the wings.  A quick look at his bio suggests that the same concerns may await him.  Stay tuned.