WASHINGTON (AP) — The Senate Intelligence Committee head said Sunday she has concerns about someone from the military heading U.S. spy agencies.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein, California Democrat, prefers a civilian as national intelligence director. President Obama has nominated retired Air Force Gen. James Clapper for the job. He heads intelligence services at the Pentagon.
Mrs. Feinstein said her preferred pick is CIA chief Leon E. Panetta. She told CNN’s “State of the Union” that the right civilian leader would need to know “how to temper sharp elbows and how to really move” U.S. intelligence operations.
Mr. Obama wants quick Senate approval of Gen. Clapper, but a vote may not come until the fall because of questions about whether Gen. Clapper would be too close to the Pentagon.
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