[marajade]

Actually Santorum would be a good pick. Remember John Ashcroft? The US Senate would have a hard time refusing one of their own.

[Howlin]

The US Senate would have a hard time refusing one of their own.

Have you forgotten who's in charge now?

[EDINVA]

Did you miss Ashcroft's AG confirmation hearings? The Dems were merciless and that's when they were in the minority. Even the b*tch Ashcroft so graciously deferred to, despite all kinds of questins about the legitimacy of her election, voted against him. John Ashcroft is a thoroughly decent and honorable man ... Dems in the Senate can't stand that.
.. not much honorable about the Senate at all.

[aloppoct]

Nominating Santorum to take Bolton's place in the UN is a brilliant stroke. For similar reasons, George Allen could also be an intriguing choice, since Allen needs a way to reinvent himself after the press tarnished his luster. Having said that, I do not think either will be nominated since both have little chance to win. Although this position might just be a good convenient subterfuge if each wanted a graceful way to stay out of running in the Presidential primary circus.

Has anyone explained why President Bush could not just appoint Bolton as Under Secretary and leave the Secretary position open indefinitely? If that procedure is legal, it would be the most elegant way to deal with this new dynamic.

[Dahoser]

Tell that to John Tower.