Amb. of Iraq nomination poised to pass Senate

Divided Senate Republicans on Monday appear largely unable to block the Obama administration’s nomination of Christopher Hill as the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq.

Senators voted 73-17 on a key procedural motion that sets up a final confirmation vote either late Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on last-minute negotiations.

{mosads}Despite pleas from Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry (D-Mass.), Republicans had delayed the Hill nomination and forced a cloture vote. Reid and Kerry said delaying the nomination sends a dangerous signal to the Mideast at a time when the U.S. needs to project stability and strength.

But GOP senators Sam Brownback of Kansas and John McCain of Arizona led the charge against Hill. Specifically, Brownback said Hill performed poorly during the Bush administration’s talks with North Korea in 2004 and 2005.

“He operated a failed strategy in North Korea,” Brownback said. “Now they’ve launched missiles and they’re being investigated for selling enriched uranium to Iran. He was a complete failure, and now we’re going to give him the most important diplomatic post we have.”

But powerful Republicans such as Dick Lugar (Ind.), ranking Republican on the Foreign Relations Committee, stood up for Hill, assuring the nomination.

“He’s been an outstanding diplomat in many areas, and he’s done an extraordinary job in regards to North Korea,” Lugar said. “I’ve known Christopher Hill for a long time and have worked with him closely.”

Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) dodged a question at a mid-afternoon press conference Monday about whether he would support Hill, but Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-Ga.) said he would.

“We need an ambassador in Iraq,” Chambliss said. “We need it desperately.”

During floor remarks Monday, Reid pressed Republicans to allow the Senate to short-cut the process and a final vote on Hill’s nomination as soon as possible.

“But if they do, we will hold a final vote as soon as that time expires,” Reid said. “We cannot wait any longer for civilian leadership in Iraq.”