President Obama and John Brennan(Photo: Alex Wong, Getty Images)
A Republican senator is calling for a delay in confirming CIA director nominee John Brennan- but not because of Brennan himself.
Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.,
has proposed holding Brennan's nomination until the Obama
administration answers more questions about the Sept. 11 attack on the
U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, Libya, that killed four Americans, including
Ambassador Christopher Stevens.
"The stonewalling on Benghazi by the Obama administration must come to an end," Graham said.
White
House spokesman Jay Carney said aides have answered Benghazi questions,
and it would be "unfortunate" if Brennan's nomination was held up over
the issue.
Administration officials initially attributed the
attack to the protest of an anti-Islam film that got out of hand. Later,
they blamed it on a terrorist attack.
"This ever-changing story
should be resolved," Graham said. "It is imperative we understand who
changed the talking points just weeks before a presidential election and
why."
The issue helped sink the chances of United Nations Ambassador Susan Rice to become secretary of State.
Graham has also criticized the other nomination Obama made Monday, former Nebraska senator Chuck Hagel for Defense secretary.
The South Carolina senator faces re-election next year, and could face a conservative challenge in the Republican primary.
USA Today