CNBC: Bernanke has votes for confirmation

[cal04]

Analysis, statements from senators show bipartisan support for Fed chief
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/35036845/ns/business-stocks_and_economy/

Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke likely has enough votes to overcome a filibuster and gain approval for a second term, according to several leading senators and an analysis by CNBC of how lawmakers will likely vote.

The analysis also showed Bernanke would win confirmation with bipartisan support, although he will likely register more opposition than any Fed chairman in recent history.

Calls by CNBC to all 100 senators over the past two days found 36 in favor and 18 opposed, with the remaining undeclared. But if the vote of the undeclared 46 senators is the same by party as those who have declared, Bernanke would garner 67 votes in favor, more than the 60 votes needed to overcome a filibuster. He needs 51 to win approval. The CNBC tally shows 71 percent of Democrats and 62 percent of Republicans currently supporting Bernanke.

Bernanke's chances got a boost late Friday when majority leader Harry Reid declared his support. Late Saturday, Democratic Senator John Kerry joined Reid, saying, "Chairman Bernanke provided leadership that was urgent, nimble, strong and vital in staving off greater disaster."

[thunder rising]

1. Of course he does. You don't thing we're actually going to "change" anything do you?

[yourout]

7. +1....for all the talk of change we keep seeing the same faces.

Feels like Groundhog day......over, and over, and over, and over....

[Xipe Totec]

2. Give me a moment to compose myself and try to act surprised

:wow:

[notesdev]

3. I'm not so sure about that

He's still on the better side of 50/50, but his chances are deteriorating fast as info about what the Fed was doing with AIG comes pouring out. If this doesn't happen this week then he's in huge trouble.

[thunder rising]

4. Obama only fights Democrats, so you can expect a pretty good round of support for Benny

[snagglepuss]

5. Ouch nt

[budkin]

6. Mega Props to the "Person of the Year"

You go get em Berny!

[cal04]

8. Sen. Kerry Says He'll Vote for Bernanke

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704562504575021321737061334.html?mod=WSJ_WSJ_US_PoliticsNCampaign

Sen. John Kerry (D., Mass.) said Saturday he will vote to confirm Ben Bernanke for a second term as chairman of the Federal Reserve, bringing to 27 the number of senators who have said they will do so.

According to the latest Dow Jones News Service tally, 15 senators have said they will oppose him, 10 Republicans, four Democrats and one independent (Bernie Sanders of Vermont.) The other 58 haven't said how they will vote.

An administration spokesman said President Barack Obama made a few calls to members of the Senate Saturday on the Bernanke confirmation and was assured that it is on track.

Sen. Kerry's endorsement was not unconditional. "While I have some concerns about the Fed's approach to banking accountability," he said in statement, "Chairman Bernanke should not be a scapegoat for systemic failings. The politics of the moment cannot distract us from the urgent work which remains of reforming our financial regulatory system and creating jobs and stability." He added that it is "understandable why there is debate, questioning and even anger" about giving Mr. Bernanke a second term. "Everyone understands that these are some of the most difficult economic times we've ever faced, especially for working American taxpayers who have seen jobs destroyed, life savings emptied, and then been forced to bail-out Wall Street and the big banks that created the mess."

[Sebastian Doyle]

9. So much for Saint Kerry "the one man crusader against corruption"

Or so some insist on telling us he is. :eyes:

[laughingliberal]

10. Just Damn It! nt

[davidpdx]

11. I was a disappointed about this

Bernake needs to be held accountable by Congress. I'm still pushing for Merkley and Wyden to vote against him.