Gina Haspel, President Trump’s pick for CIA director, moved a big step closer to confirmation Wednesday as moderate Democratic Sen. Joe Manchin said he would support her -- just hours after she was grilled by the senator's colleagues on the Intelligence Committee. Manchin is one of several moderate Democrats who could flip to back Haspel, even as most in the caucus withhold support. Paul’s “no” vote, as well as Arizona Sen. John McCain’s absence, means that if all other Republicans vote “yes,” Haspel would still need one Democratic vote to secure confirmation. A senior Democratic source told Fox News that it was unclear if the Senate Democratic leadership would whip against Haspel, and that several Democrats may eventually vote for her. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who Haspel would succeed as CIA chief, was confirmed only after a contentious vote.

Source: Fox News May 09, 2018 19:52 UTC