Politics | 01/15/2009 1:40 pm
All But Vitter Back Clinton Confirmation

Hillary Clinton obviously wowed the Senate Foreign Relations Committee during her confirmation hearing this week.
After only a few days of deliberation, the committee voted overwhelmingly today to install Clinton as our next secretary of state. Sixteen of the 17 members voted in favor of Clinton’s ascension. The sole detractor? David Vitter. According to Vitter, the Louisiana senator who last year gained notoriety for his dalliances with prostitutes, Mrs. Clinton’s husband’s international foundation provides a "multimillion-dollar minefield of conflicts of interest." He went on: "This could produce explosions at any minute, particularly concerning the Middle East where we least need them." The rest of the committee disagreed and incoming Chairman John Kerry released the following, glittering statement:
The 16-to-1 roll-call vote demonstrates the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s overwhelming support for President-elect Obama’s designee to be secretary of state, Hillary Clinton. America is fortunate that President-elect Obama has chosen such a smart, talented and experienced individual to serve as our top diplomat. I look forward to working closely with Secretary of State-designee Clinton to restore our international relationships and America’s place in the world.
The committee also found itself busy today vetting Susan Rice, President-elect Obama’s pick as the new Ambassador to the UN. Describing the international group as "an indispensable if imperfect institution for advancing America’s security and well-being in the 21st century," Rice stressed its unspoken necessity, "the U.N. sometimes deeply frustrates Americans, and I am aware of its shortcomings, yet all nations understand the importance of this organization." The panel’s expected to confirm Rice in the very near future.
Meanwhile, potential Homeland Security head Janet Napolitano faced the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee, and Interior Secretary-designate Ken Salazar celebrated renewable energy at his hearing before the Energy Committee. Both are expected to pass with flying colors.























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