Feingold Is Pro-Panetta

Sen. Russ Feingold, like Rep. Rush Holt (D-N.J.), has a tendency to get questions of national security and human rights, you know, right. Here’s what the Wisconsin Democrat who’s on both the Senate Intelligence and Judiciary Committees has to say about President-elect Barack Obama’s reported choice to head the CIA, Leon Panetta:

“I am pleased by reports of the nomination of Leon Panetta to be the next CIA Director. These reports indicate that President-elect Obama recognizes the need for fresh leadership for the intelligence community. Leon Panetta has a long and distinguished career in public service and there are few people of whom I have a higher opinion. He 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. 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.”

Update: Also — and this undercuts the Feingold point, I suppose — Elana Schor reports for TPM that Pat Roberts, one of the worst Senators ever to hold the intelligence-committee gavel, is also backing Panetta. He’s not on the committee anymore, though.