Bernanke Gets OK to Lead Federal Reserve (Senate voice vote)

[Freddie Stubbs]

By JEANNINE AVERSA, AP Economics Writer
1 hour, 52 minutes ago



WASHINGTON - The Senate on Tuesday approved the nomination of Ben Bernanke to be the next chairman of the Federal Reserve, the most influential economic policy job in the world.

Bernanke, 52, was cleared on a voice vote after a short debate in the chamber amid strong bipartisan support.

He succeeds Alan Greenspan, 79, who retires Tuesday after 18 1/2 years, making him the second-longest serving chairman at the central bank.

"We believe that Dr. Bernanke will serve this country well at the helm of the Federal Reserve," said Sen. Richard Shelby (news, bio, voting record), R-Ala., in remarks on the Senate floor before the vote.

more: http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060131/ap_on_bi_ge/fed_bernanke_10;_ylt=A0SOwkMe3d9DgPIAZwHAlakA;_ylu=X3oDMTBiMW04NW9mBHNlYwMlJVRPUCUl

[Idioteque]

1. He is a very good choice.

In fact, this is probably the best nomination Bush has made in his presidency. Bernanke is extremely qualified, intelligent, and most importantly, he isn't an ideplogue. I think he's going to do a great job at the Fed.

Interestingly enough, while Bernanke was confirmed by a voice vote, Jim Bunning made sure to voice his opposition to the nomination. Anything Jim Bunning is against can't be that bad can it?

[warrens]

2. I'm surprised they didn't try to nominate Grover Norquist

Or some other financial ignoramus. I guess they knew that all the contributions from Wall St. would dry up immediately.

[lonestarnot]

3. Yes and on the way out the door Greenspan or On the way in the Door

Bernanke raised to prime to 7 and something from 6 something. Bastards. Guess they wanted to cut what little savings people were able to scrape together.