New York Sun: Clinton, Schumer reconsider opposition to Bolton

RAW STORY
Published: Wednesday July 26, 2006

Senators Hillary Clinton (D-NY) and Charles Schumer (D-NY) are "seriously reconsidering” their positions on the appointment of Ambassador John Bolton to the UN, according to the New York Sun.

The report quoted Morton Klein, President of the Zionist Organization of America who claimed to have spoken with "important friends" of the senators. He added, ""If they came out against him, I would be somewhat surprised," and that, "I think there's a reasonable chance they might support him this time around." He did however offer the caveat that, "with politics, you never know."

The paper also spoke with Jack Rosen, chairman of the American Jewish Congress, who found that the senators lack of a statement to date reflects an understanding "that the Jewish community is supporting Bolton and that when you represent a large Jewish community in New York, politics matters." In Rosen's calculation, Bolton's strong support for Israel in the current Middle East crisis might sway Clinton and Schumer to alter their positions.

Calls by RAW STORY to both Clinton and Schumer's offices were not immediately returned.

Last August, Senator Clinton criticized the Bush administration for giving Bolton a recess appointment, stating her concern that Bolton "was not entirely truthful on a questionnaire submitted to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee," and with "the Administration’s refusal to turn over documents requested by the Senate during the confirmation process." Senator Schumer remarked on Fox News in May 2005 that the feeling that Bolton didn't deserve to be at the UN "goes way beyond Democrats and partisan issues."

Yesterday, RAW STORY reported that Republican leaders still need two more Democrats to vote to end a filibuster of Bolton's nomination.