An update to the story of Dr. James Holsinger, the Bush Administration's controversial nominee for Surgeon General with an anti-gay record, history of homophobic and scientifically inaccurate statements, opposing gay and lesbian clergy in the United Methodist Church, and, founding an ex-gay ministry. Holsinger's nomination stalled in July and the Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee never took a vote.
The Louisville Courier-Journal reports the University of Kentucky cardiologist who was "picked by President Bush in May 2007, is more than 10 months late answering written questions from the Senate committee that would consider his nomination.In the protocol of Congress, missing a deadline by that much is tantamount to political suicide for a presidential nominee." The newspaper also published an editorial expressing displeasure with Holsinger and criticized him as "disrespectful" for "ignor[ing] questions from the committee for so long." Ouch.
Not only were Ted Kennedy and the Democrats on the HELP Committee very clear in their opposition to Holsinger, but, some Republicans also expressed concerns. It's likely Holsinger never responded to the committee's questions because they would be used against him, and, because the Bush Administration hoped to sneak a recess appointment. But that's not going to happen because Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has made sure the Senate is technically in session during holidays.
Time running out for surgeon general nominee [LCJ]
Holsinger's silence [LCJ]
Some Background ...
Bush to Bypass Senate to Appoint AntiGay Surgeon General Nominee? [R20]
Kennedy to Block Surgeon General-Nominee? [R20]
NYT Editorial Slams Surgeon General Nominee [R20]
Republicans Opposed to Surgeon General Nominee [R20]
Confirmation Hearings Set [R20]
Lift Gag Rule from Surgeon Genl Nominee [R20]
Joycelyn Elders on Surgeon General Nominee [R20]
Senate GOP Leader Supports Nominee [R20]
Surgeon General Warning [R20]
Clinton, Edwards Oppose Surgeon Genl Nominee [R20]
I am gobsmacked not just by what this administration has done, but what they continue to attempt.
Posted by: johnozed | 01 July 2008 at 19:34