[Deb]

Can't a Senator put a "secret hold" on any nomination? Or is that just a Senator from the nominee's home state? Or am I thinking of something else completely?

[deport]

I don't remember the rules, but Senators can put holds on them. I just don't remember if they must be from the same state..... Seems Byrd had a hold placed on one sometime back that never got to a hearing.... I know that they usually look for support from the home state Senators....