There is a process. You can't just steal the documents and then run to a foreign country and release them to the media. That is not how it works. Most high level whistle blowers that do it the legit way end up losing their jobs/careers or can forget about ever getting promoted, but they don't have to go file for asylum in Russia.

Whistleblower Protection Program

You should always start by talking to your first line supervisor and then move up to the inspector general. That is how it works. Of course him being a contractor doesn't help him out any. Either way, Snowden is a criminal for what he did, regardless of his intentions and regardless if what the NSA is doing is wrong. Russia is just holding off, they will hand him back over when the US has something they want.