2004 Presidential Transition
Condoleezza Rice should handily win her confirmation vote today, according to the AP via the Rocky Mountain News [January 26, 2005, "Confirmation of Rice appears certain"]. From the article, "Despite strong Democratic dissent, Condoleezza Rice, President Bush's trusted national security aide and a main architect of his policies on Iraq and the war on terror, appears headed to overwhelming Senate approval as the next secretary of state. Once approved, Rice, 50, will replace Colin Powell and to become the first black woman to serve as the nation's top diplomat. A dozen or so Democrats were lined up to vote against her Wednesday. Probably as many others intended to yield to President Bush's right to pick his own Cabinet even though they, too, harbored serious doubts about Iraq policy."
Here's the coverage from the Denver Post [January 26, 2005, "Dems sharpen critique of war, Rice"].
According to the Denver Post, Senator Salazar expects to vote to confirm Dr. Rice [January 26, 2005, "Despite misgivings, Salazar will vote to confirm Rice"].
Here's a look at Salazar's possible motivation from the Colorado Politics weblog.
Meanwhile the Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to move Alberto Gonzalez's nomination forward today, according to the Denver Post [January 26, 2005, "Panel due to vote on Gonzales today"]. From the article, "The nomination of former White House counsel Alberto Gonzales to be attorney general probably will be sent today to the Senate for approval despite complaints from Democrats, senators said Tuesday. Republicans control the committee by 10-8, so unless GOP senators decide not to show up today or to vote against Gonzales, the nomination will move on to the full Senate for confirmation. The Senate is not expected to vote until next week at the earliest."
Update: Condoleezza Rice's nomination was confirmed today by the U.S. Senate, according to the Rocky Mountain News [January 26, 2005, "Rice confirmed despite Dems' criticisms"].
Update: Daily Kos: "We may not have the votes to stop Gonzales, but Democrats held together to take a critical stand against torture. The committee Democrats, all who deserve praise: Leahy (VT), Kennedy (MA), Biden (DE), Kohl (WI), Durbin (IL), Feinstein (CA), Feingold (WI), and Schumer (NY)."
5:26:45 AM 
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