The Cabinet and high level choices made by President-elect Barack Obama have, for the most part, been praised by both supporters and opponents of the incoming Chief Executive. But his nomination of former Leon Panetta to be the next Central Intelligence Agency Director has caused quite a bit of controversy.

The former Congressman, who was also President Bill Clinton’s Chief of Staff, has virtually no experience in the intelligence field and critics say a novice should not be named CIA chief when America is at war. But Senator McCaskill disagrees, saying the person in charge must be a good manager – not a spy.

McCaskill points to her early days as Missouri State Auditor, saying she had never conducted an audit in her life, but knew the importance of giving auditors the resources needed to do the job. McCaskill believes Panetta will be confirmed when his nomination moves to the floor of the Senate.

Download/Listen: Steve Walsh report (:60 MP3)



Missourinet