The top Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee is expressing confidence in Gen. John Allen, who is entangled in a sex scandal that has led to the resignation of the CIA director.

Sen. John McCain of Arizona called Allen one of our best military leaders and said he had continued confidence in the top commander in Afghanistan. He made the remarks Thursday at the start of the confirmation hearing for Allen's replacement in Afghanistan, Marine Corps Gen. Joseph Dunford.

Allen is the subject of a Pentagon investigation for potentially inappropriate communications. Former Gen. David Petraeus resigned last week from the top job at the CIA after the disclosure of an extramarital affair. Allen said he is cooperating with the investigation.