12 to 3, In Favor of Hayden

The Associated Press reports:

Gen. Michael Hayden moved a step closer Tuesday to becoming the nation's 20th CIA chief, where he will take over a spy agency looking for a leader to steer it through troubles ranging from al-Qaida threats to Washington politics.

The Senate Intelligence Committee recommended confirmation, 12-3, with three of the panel's seven Democrats voting against him. If the Senate approves him before Memorial Day, as expected, Hayden could be sworn in by the end of the week. ...


So much for the NSA's "illegal" wiretapping programs holding up his confirmation...it should be smooth sailing through the Senate now.