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Politics | 01/20/2009 9:20 am

Sen. Cornyn to Squash Clinton Confirmation?

By The Staff at wowOwow.com
© AP

There may be a bit of Republican resistance to Hillary Clinton’s Senate confirmation today. 

Although most expect the former First Lady to ultimately take over as secretary of state, Politico reports that Sen. John Cornyn, R-TX, plans to revisit hubby Bill Clinton’s already-controversial philanthropic foundation. More specifically, Cornyn’s miffed that Mrs. Clinton won’t agree to more oversight of the international group.

"Sen. Cornyn is a strong proponent of complete transparency and has fought for as much throughout his time in office. He is keeping all of his options on the table," Cornyn spokesman Kevin McLaughlin told Reuters. Cornyn’s considering calling for a voice vote, say sources.

That means that a roll-call vote would have to be taken Wednesday, where each senator’s name is called and their vote tallied. It also means senators’ Inauguration party plans will be disrupted.

Late last week, Cornyn wrote Clinton to express his concerns that foreign interests would try to use Bill Clinton’s foundation as a means of influencing her in her new job. On Monday, Clinton shot back via letter, quoting her testimony before the Foreign Relations Committee and her agreement with Obama, saying: "I will be focused on one thing, and one thing only — and that is safeguarding and advancing the security, the prosperity and the values of the people of this country."

Last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee endorsed Clinton 16-1, with Sen. David Vitter, R-LA, being the lone dissenter. We’ll have to wait and see whether he — and perhaps Cornyn — will be the only Republican opposing Clinton in the Senate. Republican Sens. Dick Lugar of Indiana and Tom Coburn of Oklahoma also have criticized Bill’s dealings.

Now, we know Hillary’s tough, and she’ll hang in there until given the green light, but perhaps it wouldn’t be so bad if she had to wait a day. Today is, after all, all about Barack Obama. Let her have her own tomorrow. 

33 Reader Comments (so far…) Sign In or Register to comment

f p
Good for her on her response and I agree she can wait one day—it’s Baraks day today.
By f p on 01/20/2009 9:27 am
Diana T
We may as well get used to these guys. Part of the democratic process. I agree with you; today is not the day….
By Diana T on 01/20/2009 9:35 am
Mommy Dearest
To quote President Barack Obama, “the time has come to set aside childish things.” Would we proclaim that “today is not the day,” to African Americans? to Native Americans? No. But, we will say to to a woman on a women’s website. It is, in my opinion, indeed the day, and putting aside an inappropriate delay to Senator Clinton’s confirmation is disgraceful.
By Mommy Dearest on 01/20/2009 12:28 pm
Green Tears
President Obama has pledged that transparency will be a standard operating procedure of his administration. Shouldn’t the Clintons be willing to conform to that policy? Maybe they just need that extra day to think about it…
By Green Tears on 01/20/2009 12:37 pm
Diana T
I don’t see what his problem is; the whole thing has been vetted already. And, of all the people we know about, it’s the Clintons.
By Diana T on 01/20/2009 3:42 pm
gulliver fourmyle
disgraceful’?—-i would say ‘criminal-abuse-of-office’—-‘criminal-use-of-public-funds’, as well—-what does this chicanery cost the people? at least sue-the-bastard to recover same—-the Reeps made their ‘bed-of-roses’—-i say, remove the flowers, let them lay amongst thorns.
By gulliver fourmyle on 01/21/2009 6:02 pm
Brooklyn Gal
What a waste of a vote! She will be confirmed with a large majority.
By Brooklyn Gal on 01/20/2009 9:28 am
Tee Zee
On May 18, 2007, Cornyn was involved in an altercation with fellow (and Senior) Senator John McCain (R-AZ). “During a meeting Thursday on immigration legislation, McCain and Sen. John Cornyn got into a shouting match when Cornyn started voicing concerns about the number of judicial appeals that illegal immigrants could receive, according to multiple sources — both Democrats and Republicans — who heard firsthand accounts of the exchange from lawmakers who were in the room. Cornyn told McCain, “Wait a second here. I’ve been sitting in here for all of these negotiations and you just parachute in here on the last day. You’re out of line.” McCain then cursed at Cornyn. In 2008, Senator Cornyn received $10,000 from Exelon, an energy company that is currently seeking approval to build a nuclear power plant just south of Victoria, Texas. Cornyn has been described by Jim Jubak of MSN Money as one of “Big Oil’s ten favorite members of Congress,” as he has received more money from the oil and gas industry than all but six other members of Congress. No surprise!
By Tee Zee on 01/20/2009 9:42 am
f p
Yup no surprise at all. TZ
By f p on 01/20/2009 10:11 am
Patty E
Good point! Sometimes I wonder about those that have a lot to ‘protect’ for themselves…..they very often shout the loudest, don;t they?
By Patty E on 01/20/2009 11:01 am
Patty E
oops…entered too soon—— To protect themselves, rather than what they have been entrusted to protect, when given the opportunity to serve, ‘we the people”
By Patty E on 01/20/2009 11:03 am
Diana T
I guess he is doing his political posturing thing. But, if he’s so hot on transparency, why in the hell didn’t he go after Cheney and the secret energy meetings in Cheney’s office? Talk about opportunism….
By Diana T on 01/20/2009 7:54 pm
Belinda Joy
Who is this guy?
By Belinda Joy on 01/20/2009 9:56 am
beth willis
Belinda, he is the junior senator from Texas, recently re-elected, but closely challenged by Rick Noriaga. Cronyn is an attorney who served on the Texas Supreme Court. I’ve written him several letters as he is my representative in the Senate, but He’s not had the time to respond. He’s not acting on my behalf in stalling Hillary Clinton. He’s supported by Bush folks. Peace and grace
By beth willis on 01/20/2009 6:25 pm
Grande Camper
Sounds like this guy has more money than brains.
By Grande Camper on 01/20/2009 10:06 am