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WASHINGTON, June 20 (Xinhuanet) -- US Democratic
senators on Monday once again blocked John Bolton's controversial nomination as
US ambassador to the United Nations.
The Senate vote was 54-38, six shy of the total needed to force a final vote on Bolton, and represented
an erosion in support from last month's failed Republican effort.
The White House deplored the Senate's failure to end
debate. "John Bolton deserves an up-or-down vote," said White House spokesman
Scott McClellan. "He's someone who enjoys majority support, and it's unfortunate
that Democrats continue to play politics with the nomination."
At a White House news conference earlier Monday, US
President George W. Bush called on Senate Democrats to allow a vote on the
nomination of Bolton for UN ambassador.
"I think it's time for the Senate to give him an
up-or-down vote. Now," Bush told reporters after meeting with European Union
leaders at the White House.
Bush sidestepped a question on whether he would
circumvent the Senate and appoint the fiery conservative to the ambassador's
post when Congress leaves Washington for the July 4 holiday.
The White House also reiterated its call for
confirmation of Bolton as UN ambassador.
"It is critical that we get him in place. We're all
talking about reforms at the United Nations," McClellan said at a press briefing
prior to the Senate vote.
"Now is the time to move forward on those reforms,
and John Bolton will help us advance those reforms," McClellan said.
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee, charged with
vetting his candidacy, sent Bolton's nomination to the full Senate last month
without endorsing him after contentious hearings.
Bush has argued that Bolton is the right person to
represent Washington at the United Nations.
Bolton has been criticized for trying to shape
intelligence estimates on Cuba, Syria and other issues to reflect his own views
and having a history of berating people he worked with and of seeking to remove
those who disagree with him. Enditem | 
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