Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Hot on Facebook
Man Tries to Order Priciest Starbucks Drink Ever Total cost: $23.60 »

Intelligence Pick Bows Out Over CIA Tactic Ties

Obama wanted Mudd for top Homeland Security post

By the Associated Press

Posted Jun 5, 2009 5:32 PM CDT

(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)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Showing 1 of 1 comment
Observer
Jun 5, 2009 10:53 AM 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.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

More Newser Stories

Judge Lets Army Vet Sue Rumsfeld Over Detention

CIA Promised to Cover $5M in Legal Fees for Waterboarders

Interrogators Ask US to Drop 'Abusive' Techniques

Obama 'Interrogation Teams' Grilled Shahzad

Military to Tape All Interrogations on Bases


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne