With battle expected, Bush nominates Hayden

WASHINGTON, May 8 (Reuters) President George W Bush today nominated Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden as CIA chief, setting up a likely battle with some members of the US Congress over having a military man head the civilian spy agency.

''He's the right man to lead the CIA at this critical moment,'' Bush said in the Oval Office announcement.

If confirmed by the US Senate, Hayden would replace CIA Director Porter Goss, who was eased out of his job on Friday after less than two years.

A number of lawmakers, including some from Bush's Republican Party, have voiced concern about Hayden being a general with close ties to the military and his role in an eavesdropping program assailed by critics as a violation of civil rights.

REUTERS DKS PM1916