Bolton hearing postponed; Chafee seen as pivotal vote
WASHINGTON Rhode Island Senator Lincoln Chafee is seen as the pivotal vote in the confirmation of President Bush's choice for ambassador to the US. John Bolton's day in front of a Senate panel was supposed to be today. But he'll have to wait until next week as the Senate Foreign Relations Committee has put off the hearing on the nomination. Several committee members are going to Rome for the papal funeral.
When the hearing does happen, the arms control expert is likely to face stiff opposition. The pivotal vote is expected to belong to Chafee, a moderate who has said he'll probably support Bolton -- but so far has given only a lukewarm endorsement.
A Chafee spokesman says he's heard from hundreds of constituents against Bolton, and that Rhode Island lobbyists are actively opposing him as well. TV and radio ads in the Ocean State are urging Rhode Islanders to call their senator on the matter.
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