Lugar caved. :(Bird dookie!!
Lugar was blind-sided by Voinovich and to a smaller extent, Chaffee and Hagel.
He had no choice once he knew he didn't have the votes to win and kept Bolton as a nominee alive by not holding the vote.
The overall effect of the Pubs letting the RATS steam roll them though, is that Bolton has been effectively, although slowly forced out.
John Gibson reporting that the nomination is "very much in doubt" due to Voinovich.
The current US Senate reminds me a lot of the UN. Neither one has any intention of solving any problems. It's still all about maintaining power. Nobody wants to force the issue on judges, taxes, social security, national defense, the UN, etc. Just look good for the cameras and be popular with the DC crowds.
At that point, Lugar knew the vote which was 10-8 at the beginning of this session, was now 9-9. The point made near the end of the session in response to Allen's question was correct. Any motion for any purpose which receives a tie vote, is defeated.
At that point, Lugar was forced to take the "unanimous" proposal, which was never voted upon, to delay the nomination for more staff work and possibly an additional Bolton appearance.
Chafee was not the weak link, this time. He faces possible primary opposition for reelection. The White House is prepared to back off the staunchly conservative challenger. But as long as that possibility exists, the White House owns Chafee, regardless of his generally squish tendencies.
Bolton is neither live, nor dead, as a nominee at this point. As Yogi Berra said, "It ain't over 'til it's over."
Congressman Billybob
Latest column, "A Triple Black Dog Double Dare to Infinity."