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FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 27, 2009
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Intelligence Pick Bows Out Over CIA Tactic Ties

Obama wanted Mudd for top Homeland Security post

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(AP) – President Barack Obama's pick for intelligence chief at the Homeland Security Department withdrew from consideration today amid questions about his role in the CIA's interrogations of suspected terrorists. Philip Mudd was scheduled to appear next week before senators, but notified the White House today that he was withdrawing his name because he did not want to be a distraction.

At issue was the extent of Mudd's involvement in the interrogation program as a senior CIA official in the Bush administration. As deputy director of the Office of Terrorism Analysis at the CIA, Mudd had direct knowledge of the agency's harsh interrogation program, said a congressional aide. "If I continue to move forward I will become a distraction to the president and his vital agenda," Mudd said in a statement.

Lt. Col. Patrick Hughes (C) and Philip Mudd (R) listen to opening statements during a hearing of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee August 3, 2004 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Lt. Col. Patrick Hughes (C) and Philip Mudd (R) listen to opening statements during a hearing of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee August 3, 2004 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
Philip Mudd speaks during a hearing of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee August 3, 2004 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.
Philip Mudd speaks during a hearing of the Senate Governmental Affairs Committee August 3, 2004 on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC.   (Getty Images)
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Observer
Jun 5, 09 5:53 PM CDT
A behind the scenes torturer is better off not in such a critical position. How many others are out there with blood on the hands. We need stricter oversight on all the spooks we train and turn loose to wreck havoc. Reply
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stormy7
Jun 5, 09 6:36 PM CDT
GUILTY GUILTY GUILTY Reply
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