By a vote of 78-to-15, the U.S. Senate has confirmed the nomination of General Michael Hayden to be next head of the Central Intelligence Agency. Senator Jim Talent was among those voting in favor of the career military man, pleasantly surprised that the process moved through Congress so quickly. Talent says Hayden showed a lot of candor and integrity during his confirmation hearings. And, Talent is satisfied that Hayden will exercise his independence as CIA chief, even though Hayden has a close working relationship with National Intelligence Director John Negroponte. Senator Kit Bond, another supporter of the Hayden nomination, says Hayden will be one of the most qualified individuals to head the CIA. Bond says he looks forward to working with Hayden as America fights the war on terror.
