Second Democrat announces support for Haspel to lead CIA

WASHINGTON — Sen. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., announced Saturday his support for Gina Haspel’s nomination to be CIA director, providing a crucial second Democratic vote that should provide enough margin for confirmation to overcome questions about her role in last decade’s controversial interrogation program.

Donnelly, who met with Haspel on Thursday, said in a statement that he had “a tough, frank, and extensive discussion” with her both about her vision for the agency and its past use of “enhanced” interrogations against terror- ist captives, including meth- ods such as waterboarding that are widely considered torture.

During her confirmation hearing, Haspel pledged to abide by current law that forbids those methods and that she would reject an order from President Donald Trump to use those techniques against a terrorist now.

“I believe that she has learned from the past, and

that the CIA under her lead- ership can help our country confront serious international threats and challenges,” Don

nelly said in the statement Saturday. He also cited her support from the CIA directors who served in the Obama administration as a reason for backing Haspel.

Donnelly joins Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., as the only

other Democrat to announce support for Haspel, both of whom hail from states that Trump won by overwhelming margins.

ALEX WONG / GETTY IMAGES Gina Haspel speaks during her confirmation hearing before the Senate (Select) Committee on Intelligence on Wednesday in Washington.