Quotes On Hayden's Nomination

NewsMax.com Statements in response to President Bush's nomination of Gen. Michael Hayden to be director of the Central Intelligence Agency: To see them check in the extended section below. "Mike knows our intelligence community from the ground up. He has been both a provider and a consumer of intelligence. He's overseen the development of both human and technological intelligence. He has demonstrated an ability to adapt our intelligence services to the new challenges in the war on terror. He's the right man to lead the CIA at this critical moment in our nation's history." - President Bush. ___ "In the confirmation process, I look forward to meeting with the leaders of the Congress, better understanding their concerns and working with them to move the American intelligence community forward. This is simply too important not to get absolutely right." - Gen. Michael Hayden. ___ "I believe that the president has selected the best person, civilian or military, to lead the CIA during this critical period ... I simply cannot imagine anyone better, today and into the future." - John Negroponte, national intelligence director. ___ "Gen. Hayden is a very qualified nominee with a long history of service to his country. He's run one of the most important programs in the war on terror, a key effort to try and make America safer. I look forward to his prompt confirmation by the Senate." - Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn. ___ "Gen. Hayden is smart and well-qualified, with a lot of good experience. I look forward to the Senate Intelligence Committee hearings, but my inclination is to support him." - Sen. Trent Lott, R-Miss., member of the Senate Intelligence Committee. ___ "During his time as director of the National Security Agency, Michael V. Hayden implemented an illegal domestic spying program in clear violation of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. ... The Senate must not confirm anyone to this important post who would break the law to spy on American citizens." - Ralph G. Neas, president of the liberal People for the American Way. ___ "He understands intelligence and he's a good leader that can guide a large organization through change. We have to rebuild our human intelligence capabilities and I believe Mike can help us continue on that path. It shouldn't surprise anyone that some of our nation's finest leaders come from the United States military." - Rep. Heather Wilson, R-N.M., who chairs the House Intelligence panel that oversees the NSA. ___ "The CIA is the nation's premier, all-source civilian intelligence agency and that is what it should remain. There is no question that General Hayden is an outstanding military officer and a strong leader with a proven history in the Intelligence Community leading to his current position in the Office of the Director of National Intelligence." - Rep. Peter Hoekstra, R-Mich., chairman of the House Intelligence Committee. ___ "Despite the presidents statements that he wants to bring fresh ideas and better management to the administration, the president just keeps the same crowd around him and switches their job titles." - Sen. Frank Lautenberg, D-N.J. ___ "To send a signal of independence from the Pentagon, Gen. Hayden may want to consider retiring from the Air Force. That would put to rest questions about whether an active duty military officer should lead the CIA at this time." - Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, chairwoman of the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.