Bolton's Fate in the Hands of 4 Senators With Doubts

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http://www.nytimes.com/2005/05/11/politics/11bolton.html

Bolton's Fate in the Hands of 4 Senators With Doubts


By SHERYL GAY STOLBERG
Published: May 11, 2005

WASHINGTON, May 10 - The future of John R. Bolton, whose nomination to be ambassador to the United Nations has been caught up in controversy, hinges on four wavering Republicans, all of whom say they will not make up their minds until Thursday, when the Senate Foreign Relations Committee is to vote.

The four - Senators Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska and George V. Voinovich of Ohio - are among 10 Republicans on the foreign relations panel, and a "no" vote by any one of them would doom Mr. Bolton's nomination.

But Mr. Voinovich - who insisted last month that lawmakers dig deeper into the accusations against Mr. Bolton, a stunning defection - is the one who makes Mr. Bolton's backers the most nervous.

Mr. Voinovich said Tuesday that he was still reviewing documents related to the nomination. Asked if he was feeling pressure not to buck the party, he said: "My people sent me down here to do what's in the best interests of our nation, and that's what the president wants to do. The issue is, he's recommended someone, and I'm giving that recommendation serious consideration. But if I should decide that I'm not going forward and support him, I don't think that's bucking the party."

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and now that he's wussed out, the rest will fall into line

they won't buck Bush on this

...because if Bolton was voted down--ultimately it would be the Republicans who decided to cast the deciding votes.

I bet one of those 4 mentioned would vote against.

Here's hoping...

delay of the vote on Bolton that was caused by a repub.

There is so much pressure on these four to go along and this whole thing is being pushed as a challenge to Bush's authority. It's a shame if this low life gets in just because Bush wants him to have this position. The choice should be clear, what's at stake is the security of the US and our reputation abroad. These man should be voting for what is best for our country and its people, not what is best for Bush.

and the world gets to see what an ass he is. He'll be like the rich boy with a swimming pool. He'll invite others to come over for a swim as long as they bow to him and kiss his ass and don't mind being beat up a little for the privilege. Then some of these "poor" kids will kick his pompous ass and blow up his swimming pool. Another poor choice by the president who will leave the worst legacy in history.

I bet Iran, Syria, Cuba and Venezuela can come up with a few more "worst case" scenarios, too.

I hope I'm wrong but I feel like this one's already decided. Then they can all go home and try to have it both ways. Politics as usual.

Of course, it will be seen as bucking the party and a major setback for the lame duck president.