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Biden: Mistake Not to Consult Senate on Panetta

Vice President-elect Joe Biden acknowledged Tuesday that the incoming administration erred in not informing former Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) of Leon Panetta’s selection to head the CIA.

However, Biden said Panetta is qualified and that the agency needs new blood.

“I’m still a Senate man, I always think this way, and it’s always a good idea to talk to the requisite members of Congress,” Biden said. “It was just a mistake.”

Biden was in the Senate for Tuesday’s swearing-in ceremonies.

J. Taylor Rushing