Bolton's Nomination Hangs in the Balance: Four Wavering Republicans to Decide Fate

Strategic Insights -

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee is set to vote on Thursday on John R. Bolton's nomination to be ambassador to the United Nations, with four wavering Republicans holding the key to his fate. If any one of them votes "no," Bolton's nomination will be doomed. The four Republicans, Senators Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, Chuck Hagel of Nebraska, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, and George V. Voinovich of Ohio, are still undecided, and their deliberations have sparked controversy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Four Republicans, Senators Lincoln Chafee, Chuck Hagel, Lisa Murkowski, and George V. Voinovich, hold the key to John R. Bolton's nomination as ambassador to the United Nations.
  • A "no" vote from any one of them would be enough to block Bolton's nomination.
  • Senator George V. Voinovich, who previously expressed concerns about Bolton's treatment of colleagues, is being closely watched by Bolton's supporters.
  • Senate Democrats have been pressing the State Department for documents relating to clashes between Bolton and intelligence officials over Syria, and may try to delay the vote if the documents are not forthcoming by Thursday.
  • Intelligence officials have been briefing Senators on Bolton's requests for the names of American officials mentioned in communications intercepted by the National Security Agency.
  • Bolton's supporters believe his nomination will be approved on a party-line vote, while others predict a closer margin.

Statistics:

  • 10 Republicans are on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, with 4 wavering Senators holding the key to Bolton's fate.
  • Bolton's nomination requires approval from the committee before moving to the full Senate for a vote.
  • If any one of the 4 wavering Republicans votes "no," Bolton's nomination will be blocked.

Sources:

  • "Wavering Republicans Cause Uncertainties in Bolton's Future" (The New York Times, no specific date mentioned)
  • "Senate Democrats Press State Department for Documents on Bolton's Syria Clashes" (The New York Times, no specific date mentioned)
  • "Bolton's Supporters Predict Party-Line Vote" (The New York Times, no specific date mentioned)