Senate Intelligence Panel Seeks CIA Nominee's Withdrawal

[Hissyspit]

Source: Washington Post

Senate Intelligence Panel Seeks CIA Nominee's Withdrawal

By Joby Warrick
Washington Post Staff Writer

Members of the Senate intelligence committee have requested the withdrawal of the Bush administration's choice for CIA general counsel, acknowledging that John Rizzo's nomination has stalled because of concerns about his views on the treatment of terrorism suspects.

The decision followed a private meeting this week in which committee leaders concluded that the troubled nomination could not overcome opposition among Democratic members. It comes less than a month after a key member, Sen. Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), announced his intention to block the nomination indefinitely.

Rizzo, a career CIA lawyer, has drawn fire from Democrats and human rights groups because of his support for Bush administration legal doctrines permitting "enhanced interrogation" of terrorism detainees in CIA custody.

Two U.S. officials familiar with the committee's decision said the request for Rizzo's withdrawal has been conveyed to Gen. Michael Hayden, the CIA's director. The officials, who insisted on anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the committee's discussions, said lawmakers had hoped to avoid the formality of a negative vote on Rizzo's nomination out of respect for his long service at the intelligence agency. Rizzo has served with the CIA since 1976 and acted as interim general counsel from 2001 to 2002 and from August 2004 to the present.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/09/12/AR2007091202353.html

[Benhurst]

1. He is a war criminal. His "service" deserves no respect whatsoever.

Grow a spine, Democrats. And if there are any honest Republicans left, the same to you.

[Ian David]

2. I just think he should undergo an "enhanced" confirmation hearing. n/t

[Trillo]

3. Are Democrats finding a spine?

Slowly at first, perhaps the spinal self-discovery and stretching exercises will accelerate.