Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI), a stalwart progressive whose record of opposing Bush administration misdeeds makes him a bellwether senator, is just now coming out with his take on Leon Panetta. And he's pleased with the clean break signaled by the nomination.

I am pleased by reports of the nomination of Leon Panetta to be the next CIA Director. These reports indicate that President-elect Obama recognizes the need for fresh leadership for the intelligence community. Leon Panetta has a long and distinguished career in public service and there are few people of whom I have a higher opinion. He has been a strong voice opposing the interrogation practices authorized by the Bush Administration and he is well-equipped to restore our national security, which has been undermined by the current administration's policies. I look forward to closely examining his record, hearing his plans for protecting our nation against al Qaeda and other threats, and learning how he will help restore the rule of law after years of lawlessness that have undermined our national security.

Panetta's symbolic value as a critic of the Bush administration's detainee-treatment debacles may just trump his lack of insider's cred with intelligence officials.