'Under A Cloud': Dems Advance DHS Pick Despite Claims Of Political Favors

Democratic senators appeared to gloss over new allegations -- as well as an internal investigation -- against a Homeland Security nominee, voting Wednesday to advance his nomination over the stiff objections of Republicans.

Alejandro Mayorkas, tapped for the No. 2 position at the Department of Homeland Security, and others are facing an inspector general probe over allegations they helped a company with ties to Virginia Gov.-elect Terry McAuliffe secure visas for investors. Adding to the controversy, The Washington Times reported overnight that Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid reached out to Mayorkas to help speed along visas for foreign investors of a politically connected casino hotel in Las Vegas.

But the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee on Wednesday voted 9-0 to advance his nomination to the full Senate -- with all Republicans sitting out and voting "present."

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