By Mark Landler-New York Times
Published: 01-20-09
Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton’s smooth ride to confirmation as secretary of state hit a small bump on Tuesday as one of her Republican colleagues blocked a vote on Mrs. Clinton’s nomination citing ethical questions arising from donors to her husband’s charitable foundation.
Senator John Cornyn of Texas objected to including Mrs. Clinton’s name in a unanimous consent vote for several Cabinet nominees scheduled for hours after the swearing-in of President-elect Barack Obama. The Senate majority leader Harry Reid plans to hold a roll-call vote on Mrs. Clinton’s nomination on Wednesday which she is expected to win easily.
A spokesman for Mr. Cornyn Kevin McLaughlin said “this is not an effort to scuttle or block the nomination but a legitimate policy difference. Senator Cornyn’s goal is to create transparency on all levels of government.”
Mrs. Clinton’s husband former President Bill Clinton signed an agreement with the Obama transition team putting some limits on foreign donations to his foundation as well as stipulating annual disclosure of new donors.
But Senator Cornyn in a letter to Mrs. Clinton last Friday said he remained worried that her diplomatic activities would be compromised “unless tighter foreign fund-raising restrictions and transparency protocols are adopted.”
A spokesman for Mr. Reid Jim Manley said “it only takes one person to object to a vote.” He added “She’ll be confirmed tomorrow with an overwhelming bipartisan support.”
Mrs. Clinton did not comment on the decision. But since she is not expected to resign her Senate seat until she is confirmed the delay means that the speculation in New York State over her successor will continue to swirl as Gov. David Paterson has another day to decide whom to appoint.
