Restore the rule of law after years of lawlessness that have undermined our national security,"

Feingold On Panetta: Very "Pleased" With Choice

Sen. Russ Feingold, a leading progressive Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee, supports Leon Panetta for head of the Central Intelligence Agency.
"Leon Panetta has a long and distinguished career in public service and there are few people of whom I have a higher opinion," he said in a statement.
Feingold is widely regarded as a leading opponent of torture, extraordinary rendition and secret detention. Panetta, said Feingold, "has been a strong voice opposing the interrogation practices authorized by the Bush Administration and he is well-equipped to restore our national security, which has been undermined by the current administration's policies."
Feingold added, though, that he would continue to vet Panetta. "I look forward to closely examining his record, hearing his plans for protecting our nation against al Qaeda and other threats, and learning how he will help restore the rule of law after years of lawlessness that have undermined our national security," he said.