From Robert Burns, AP:  The White House said Wednesday it will go ahead with Gen. John Allen’s nomination to become commander of NATO forces in Europe, following his exoneration in a Pentagon investigation of questionable email exchanges with a Florida woman linked to the sex scandal that led David Petraeus to resign as CIA director.

If confirmed by the Senate, Allen would succeed Navy Adm. James Stavridis in the NATO post. Allen is due to leave his position as commander of U.S. and coalition forces in Afghanistan on Feb. 10. . . .

White House press secretary Jay Carney told reporters Wednesday that he hopes the Senate will consider Allen’s nomination "in a timely manner."  (photo: Reuters)