National intelligence director nomination blocked

[August 03, 2010]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- A spokeswoman for Sen. John McCain says the senator is blocking President Barack Obama's nominee to be the director of national intelligence.

Spokeswoman Brooke Buchanan says the Arizona Republican has requested a specific report from retired Air Force Gen. James R. Clapper. Buchanan declined to provide any details about the report but said it was not related to Clapper or his views.

Buchanan said McCain will continue to put a hold on Clapper's nomination until he provides the report.

The White House said it was "eager" to work with McCain, who lost a presidential bid to Obama, to answer questions not already discussed, "but we cannot accept further delay of this critical nomination."

"The Senate Intelligence Committees unanimous approval of Mr. Clappers nomination last week -- after hours of testimony and countless documents were provided to the committee -- is a testament to the fact that he is one of our nations most experienced and respected intelligence professionals," White House spokesman Tommy Vietor said in a statement.

Obama nominated Clapper to succeed retired Adm. Dennis Blair to oversee the nation's 16 intelligence agencies.

[Associated Press]

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