WASHINGTON (AP) - Maryland Sen. Ben Cardin says it's in his DNA to be the Democrats' top Senate negotiator on Iran, a role he'll play next week when the Foreign Relations Committee opens difficult hearings on the issue.
The indictment of New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez propelled Cardin into his party's most senior position on the powerful committee after nearly a half-century career of lawmaking, from the Maryland legislature to Washington. The grandson of immigrants and son of a Baltimore City judge built a liberal voting record, a habit of bipartisan deal-making and a reputation as one of Israel's staunchest defenders.
On Tuesday, Cardin will be lead Democrat when Republican Chairman Bob Corker opens hearings on a bill that would give Congress a say in the emerging deal to limit Iran's nuclear capabilities.
