Posted on 05/06/2006 10:11:58 PM PDT by hipaatwo
The nomination of Gen. Michael V. Hayden to take over the CIA would trigger a fresh battle over the secret warrantless surveillance program he oversaw on behalf of President Bush, a debate that could help shape the contours of the fall midterm congressional elections, officials in both parties said yesterday.
Barring a change of heart, aides expect Bush to name Hayden tomorrow as his choice to succeed CIA director Porter J. Goss, who resigned under pressure Friday. Hayden, a former director of the National Security Agency and now deputy director of national intelligence, has become the most forceful defender of Bush's eavesdropping program since its disclosure in December.
Rather than steer away from a Hayden nomination because of the controversy, the White House seems ready for a new fight over it, convinced that it has public support and that Democrats opposing Hayden's confirmation would risk looking weak on terrorism. Democrats yesterday began formulating a strategy built around grilling Hayden during hearings and then determining whether any refusal to answer questions provides enough justification to oppose his confirmation.
"By nominating him, they are looking for a confrontation and forcing the Congress to take sides, so I am troubled by this," said Rep. Jane Harman (Calif.), ranking Democrat on the House intelligence committee, who has a close relationship with Hayden and considers him "very professional and dedicated."
(Excerpt) Read more at washingtonpost.com ...
I think you are right.
Porter Goss had his hearings in front of the Intel Committee.
Perhaps this has changed though with the addition of the national intel director post?
Take his judiciary committee chairmanship away from him to show Frist is serious. I live in PA and I'm embarrassed he represents this state. I hate Specter, and I didn't vote for him, encumbent or not.
Nice title, I got a chuckle.
But I think you meant "Arlen Specter (R-Fallujah)"
Once again, I think we can all hear El Rushbo tomorrow saying: "OK, if the Dems want a food fight over the NSA surveillance progarm, then BRING IT ON..."
And lets see how many RINOs oppose the program in the Senate.
PS: How happy do you think Karl Rove and the Bushites are that they supported Specter and torpedoed Toomey in the PA senate race back in '04??
Wee Gee Jane .. what is so hard about picking a side
You are either with us in fighting the WOT or you are not
As for Hayden ??
I don't know alot about it .. but he seems like a no nonsense kind of guy who doesn't play games
Plus, him as a pick is also like sticking a finger in Specters eye
So far I'm happy about this pick *L*
Bush and Santorum should have let Specter go away last year. Now everyone is regretting it especially Santorum who will soon be looking for a job.
My brother works with Specter's children and thier neighbors (in suburban Philly). ALL are Democrats with Kerry signs on their lawns and everything.
I don't know if that could happen mid year .. though when the new session of congress comes in .. I think he could be voted out
I'll have to check the rules
A damned fine idea to further expose the wusses in Congress.
http://judiciary.senate.gov/faq.htm#judconf6
Q: Who are the committee members and how are they appointed?
The Chief Justice has sole authority to make committee appointments. The Director of the Administrative Office and the assistant director, Judicial Conference Executive Secretariat collate the expressed interests of judicial officers and their recommendations of others who may be considered for appointments, and the Director forwards the suggestions to the Chief Justice. Committee chairpersons may appoint subcommittees composed of members of the committee. Appointment of subcommittees composed of non-committee members requires the approval of the Chief Justice.
As a general rule, committee appointments are for a term of three years, subject to one reappointment. Terms are staggered to minimize turnover each year. Judges who desire committee service, or wish to recommend others for assignments, may make their interests or recommendations known at any time, in writing, to the Director of the Administrative Office (Attention: Judicial Conference Executive Secretariat). A permanent file is maintained for reference during the annual appointment process.
You are so right.
If the GOP is trying to make itself indistinguishable from the dems, they have succeeded beyond their wildest expectations.
And Dewine is still sleeping thru sessions. I think I need to move out of Ohio.
Thanks for the info on the committee. Although not impossible it looks like it's nearly so to get rid of a chairman in mid stream. I wouldn't think the Chief Justice would get involved in something of this nature.
It's OK, Arlen, don't worry -- rest assured the CIA can't stop anyone from murdering babies.
I'm sure they were locally made and not from Specter's office, but it shows how he plays both sides.
You forgot DORK Phil, Bork you, Dork! Nice graphic!
Rep. Pete Hoekstra doesn't have a say so (vote).
IF the pubbies hold onto the Senate, they should dump Specter.
I would take whatever is necessary from the CIA, move it to DIA and NSA and can the rest.
That would get rid of all the libs entrenched there.
I would then do the same with the State Department.
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