Support builds for Bernanke as end of term looms

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Ben Bernanke''s prospects for a second term as Federal Reserve chairman brightened on Tuesday as a number of previously undecided senators voiced their support with a deadline looming.

A Reuters poll found 43 senators were likely to support Bernanke, whose four-year term as Fed chief expires on Sunday, with 19 opposing him. Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid said a vote could come on Thursday or Friday.

"We are confident that we will have the votes when it comes time to confirm Bernanke," a Democratic aide said.

The growing support suggested Bernanke would survive the shock waves that went through the Democratic party when a Republican won a stunning upset in a Massachusetts Senate race last week largely because of voter anger about the economy.

Bernanke was in jeopardy of becoming the fall guy, but a push by the White House and Senate allies has slowly coaxed undecided senators into the Fed chairman''s column.

Even so, the former Princeton University professor looked certain to draw a record number of "no" votes for a nominee tapped to head the U.S. central bank.

Bernanke will have to attract 60 votes in the Democratic-controlled chamber to overcome efforts by some lawmakers to block his nomination. If he clears that procedural hurdle, a simple majority of 51 could confirm him.

Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell repeated his expectation that Bernanke would be approved with support from both political parties. Senator John Thune, a member of the Republican leadership, said he expected more than 12 Republicans to vote for Bernanke.

If the Senate fails to act in time, Fed Vice Chairman Donald Kohn appears poised to take over leadership of the central bank on an acting basis.

BAILOUT ANGER

Bernanke''s confirmation had seemed assured until the Massachusetts election reshaped the political calculus.

Public ire at the financial bailouts the Fed helped lead even as the U.S. unemployment rate was climbing into in double digits has made a potent political brew for senators facing re-election in November and has undercut support for Bernanke.