Confirmation of FAA nominee seen as certain

National Transportation Safety Board head Marion Blakey glided through her Senate confirmation hearing Tuesday and headed toward expected quick confirmation as the new chair of the Federal Aviation Administration.

Blakey, 54, who recently told airline pilots her grandmother once taught music to Elvis Presley but told her she "can't sing a lick," nevertheless hit the right notes with Commerce Committee senators.

Sen. John (Jay) Rockefeller, D-W.Va., acting as Commerce chairman, said he expected Blakey to win committee and possible Senate confirmation by next week, before the Sept. 11 disaster anniversary.

But he and others cautioned she was stepping into a position with daunting challenges, ranging from staffing to passenger screening since the terrorist attacks, and had "large shoes to fill" in succeeding the popular Jane Garvey for the five-year term.

Those lining up to praise her included Sens. Byron Dorgan, D-N.D., who said he would back the Republican "with enthusiasm"; Ron Wyden, D-Ore., who called her an "excellent choice"; Peter Fitzgerald, R-Ill., who expected her to be "a great FAA administrator"; John Kerry, D-Mass., who called her "eminently qualified"; and John McCain, R-Ariz., who wanted her confirmed "as quickly as possible."

Not to be left out, Sen. Ted Stevens, R-Alaska, chimed in, "I love you, too."