‘What Could It Be Other Than Politics?’

‘[U]nder Ordinary Times, He Would Be Confirmed Overwhelmingly’

“[Democrat S]enators say they are hearing a clamor from their party’s base to fight the nomination — and liberal groups want Democrats to increase their opposition to Pompeo …” (“Dems Hedge On Pompeo’s Fate, Politico, 4/17/2018)

• Mike Pompeo was confirmed as CIA Director by a vote of 66-32, with 15 Democrats voting to confirm him. (PN43, Roll Call Vote # 32: Confirmed 66-32 : R 51-1; D 14-30; I 1-1, 1/23/2017)

SEN. BOB CORKER (R-TN), Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman: “This is a person that is highly qualified. He was first in his class at West Point, did ‘The Harvard Law Review,’ was in charge of that, incredibly qualified person, knows more about what is happening in the world probably than anybody in America because of his post at CIA…. [U]nder ordinary times, he would be confirmed overwhelmingly. Secretary Clinton had one negative vote when she came through. John Kerry had no negative votes when they came through committee….” (CNN,’s “State of the Union,” 4/22/2018)

SEN. RICHARD BURR (R-NC), Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman: “Let me remind my colleagues, we just confirmed him for his post. So he’s already been confirmed to serve in the administration in one of the most challenging jobs, the CIA Director. And for some reason people now find him that he’s not qualified to be the Secretary of State? What could it be other than politics that comes into play?” (Sen. Burr, Floor Remarks, 4/19/2018)

Dems On Pompeo For CIA Director: ‘Congressman Pompeo And I Don’t See Eye To Eye’ But ‘He Has The Necessary Experience To Serve As Director’

SEN. DIANNE FEINSTEIN (D-CA): “When I met with Congressman Pompeo in person, he provided straightforward answers to my questions, which I appreciated. And those who work closely with him, including Congressman Adam Schiff on the House Intelligence Committee, say he is smart, hard-working and devoted to protecting our country.” (Sen. Feinstein, Press Release, 1/23/2017)

SEN. MAGGIE HASSAN (D-NH): “As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, Congressman Mike Pompeo has an understanding of and respect for the work of the intelligence community. Rep. Pompeo is cognizant of the evolving threats America faces … While I have some concerns about Rep. Pompeo's record as a Member of the House of Representatives, on the whole, I believe that he has the necessary experience to serve as Director of the CIA.” (Sen. Hassan, Press Release, 1/23/2017)

SEN. TIM KAINE (D-VA): “I voted in favor of the nomination of Representative Mike Pompeo for Director of the Central Intelligence Agency. With his experience on the House Intelligence Committee, Rep. Pompeo has a keen understanding of the CIA’s role in the intelligence community. He appears ready to support our intelligence workforce and knowledgeable about our nation’s current cyber threats.” (Sen. Kaine, Press Release, 1/23/2017)

SEN. CLAIRE McCASKILL (D-MO): “Congressman Pompeo and I don’t see eye to eye on an awful lot of policy…. But … with the needs of our intelligence community so acute and immediate, we shouldn’t fool around with this crucial position.” (Sen. McCaskill, Press Release, 1/23/2017)

SEN. JEANNE SHAHEEN (D-NH): “In his hearing, Congressman Pompeo showed that he understands that his new role will be to collect and present objective analysis to the President and to Congress. His strong condemnation of Russian aggression in the hearing gives me confidence that he can step into this role and effectively lead the CIA.” (Sen. Shaheen, Press Release, 1/23/2017)

SEN. MARK WARNER (D-VA): “While I do not agree with some of the views he has expressed, Congressman Pompeo has impressed me with his respect for the dedication and impartiality of the intelligence professionals at the CIA. I have received his assurances that he will accurately represent the unvarnished views of the analysts who work there, no matter what the President or others may want to hear, and that he will cooperate with Congress, particularly as we look into Russia’s efforts to interfere with our election system.” (Sen. Warner, Press Release, 1/23/2017)

SEN. SHELDON WHITEHOUSE (D-RI): “Mike Pompeo would not have been my choice to lead the CIA… [But] Director Pompeo does know the intelligence community well …” (“Whitehouse, Reed Voted To Confirm Pompeo To Head CIA,” Providence Journal, 1/24/2017)

“Explaining [Sen. Jack] Reed’s [D-RI] vote, his spokesman Chip Unruh said: ‘Senator Reed and Mr. Pompeo disagree on many issues. But in public testimony and in face to face conversations, Mr. Pompeo pledged to be an independent voice at the CIA …’” (“Whitehouse, Reed Voted To Confirm Pompeo To Head CIA,” Providence Journal, 1/24/2017)