Obama apologizes to Feinstein for his CIA surprise
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Published: January 6, 2009
WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Dianne Feinstein says President-elect Barack Obama apologized to her for not notifying her ahead of time that Leon Panetta was his pick for CIA director.
His name leaked to the press before Obama informed Feinstein, a California Democrat and incoming Senate Intelligence Committee chairman, who will oversee Panetta's nomination hearing.
"I have been contacted by both President-elect Obama and Vice President-elect Biden, and they have explained to me the reasons why they believe Leon Panetta is the best candidate for CIA Director," she said Tuesday.
Feinstein complained Monday she had not been told about Panetta and expressed doubts he has the necessary experience.
There was no immediate comment from the Obama team, which has made no formal announcement of the CIA pick.
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