Key Republican says supports Yellen for Fed chair

By David Lawder and Thomas Ferraro WASHINGTON (Reuters) – Janet Yellen picked up some more U.S. Senate support Wednesday on the eve of a vote in the Senate Banking Committee that is expected to approve her nomination to lead the U.S. Federal Reserve. Bob Corker, a Tennesee Republican and an influential member of the committee, declared his support Wednesday while three other Republicans indicated they were inclined to back her. "In the end, I do believe she has the qualifications necessary to be the Fed chairman and plan to support her nomination," said Corker, who voted against Yellen's nomination as Fed vice chair in 2010. Corker's support could help persuade a handful of other Senate Republicans to drop their opposition.