Wednesday, April 20, 2005

An attack of conscience

Senate Republicans were poised to ram the nomination of John Bolton as UN ambassador through committee on a party-line vote, but something got in the way and the vote was delayed.

The NY Times reports:

Among those with second thoughts was Senator George V. Voinovich of Ohio, who stunned other committee members on Tuesday by announcing he wanted more time. "My conscience got me," he said after the two-hour session.

This may be even a more remarkable statement from Voinovich, a Republican who had been expected to follow the party line and vote to advance Bolton's name:

He said he had gone to the meeting planning to vote for Mr. Bolton, but changed his mind after hearing the case against the nominee made by Senators Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware and Christopher J. Dodd of Connecticut, both Democrats.

In these times, when committee hearings and floor debates are generally staged events for people to give their prepared remarks and cast their predictable, fore-ordained votes, it is refreshing to think that debate can still change minds.

Don't be surprised if Voinovich is able to dull his conscience by the time the vote comes around. He will be under tremendous pressure to vote with the President and his party.

But for today, enjoy this breath of fresh air.

UPDATE: BUSH ALLIES WILL MAKE VOINOVICH PAY. Here's the negative ad, all ready to roll.

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