In the latest development in the Obama intelligence appointments, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) has put out a statement heartily approving the appointment of retired Adm. Dennis Blair to be the Director of National Intelligence -- a sharp contrast to her reaction to the nomination of Leon Panetta to be CIA Director.

The statement also has some language that could please the left, looking forward to the end of the Bush Administration's history of torture -- though Feinstein still refers to it in euphemistic terms:

"I met Admiral Blair several years ago in Hawaii, when he headed the Pacific Command, and I found him to be very knowledgeable about national security and global affairs. His experience gives him valuable insight into the many challenges facing the intelligence community and makes him a strong nominee for Director of National Intelligence.

...

"Of critical importance to me is that the next DNI deliver on President-elect Barack Obama's pledges to end the CIA coercive interrogation program, ensure the rule of law is respected, and improve our intelligence collection and analysis capabilities in order to better assess all threats."

Full statement after the jump.

Statement of Senator Feinstein on Selection of Admiral Blair to be Director of National Intelligence

"Admiral Dennis Blair has had a distinguished career of service in the national security field, and he is widely regarded for his intellect, creative thinking and management skills.

"I met Admiral Blair several years ago in Hawaii, when he headed the Pacific Command, and I found him to be very knowledgeable about national security and global affairs. His experience gives him valuable insight into the many challenges facing the intelligence community and makes him a strong nominee for Director of National Intelligence.

"I intend to have the Senate Intelligence Committee move quickly to get Admiral Blair confirmed, but we will do our due diligence in reviewing his record and views during open hearings.

"Admiral Blair, if confirmed as DNI, will inherit an intelligence community that has been beset by major failures and controversy over the past ten years. The failures of 9/11 and the prewar intelligence on Iraq's weapons of mass destruction have raised questions over the quality of intelligence collection and analysis.

"Of critical importance to me is that the next DNI deliver on President-elect Barack Obama's pledges to end the CIA coercive interrogation program, ensure the rule of law is respected, and improve our intelligence collection and analysis capabilities in order to better assess all threats."