US News
Bush nominates Hayden to lead CIA, confirmation battle looms
By DPA
May 8, 2006, 19:00 GMT

Washington - US President George W. Bush Monday picked General Michael Hayden to lead the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), but the nominee is facing a difficult confirmation fight as members of Congress voiced concern over Hayden\'s military background.

Bush said Hayden is \'supremely qualified for this position\' and touted his nominees more than two decades of experience in the intelligence field.

Until last year, Hayden led the super-secretive National Security Agency and currently serves as the deputy to National Intelligence Director John Negroponte, a post created by Bush as part of reforms to US intelligence after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington.

If confirmed, Hayden would replace Porter Goss, who surprisingly resigned Friday.

But there are concerns in Congress over the nomination of a military general to lead the CIA, which in the recent past has been led by civilians.

In addition, Hayden will face questions about a controversial warrantless surveillance programme that was unveiled last year.

Members of Bush\'s Republican Party and opposition Democrats have already indicated their opposition to the nominee.