The furor threatened to ensnare the nomination of Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden to head the Central Intelligence Agency. Hayden, director of the NSA from 1999 to 2005, led the agency when the database project was launched and built.

I've heard a lot more about Hayden as an Air Force General than that he was the long-time director of the NSA! I didn't think folks generally worked at the Director level for more than one major spy agency in a career. Yikes!

USATODAY.com - NSA secret database report triggers fierce debate in Washington