Jim Bunning blocking nominees again - because he doesn't like a CANADIAN law!

[JBoy]

http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE6295FA20100310?type=politicsNews

Senator Jim Bunning, a Kentucky Republican, has delayed the Senate from approving Michael Punke to be ambassador to the WTO in Geneva. This has fueled criticism that the United States is not fully engaged in the Doha round of world trade talks, which have already dragged on for eight years.

"This job is too important to remain open because one senator has a flimsy policy beef," said Senator Jon Tester, a Democrat from Montana, complaining on the Senate floor about Bunning.

Both Punke and Isi Siddiqui, Obama's choice to be chief U.S. agricultural trade negotiator, won unanimous backing from the Senate Finance Committee in December.

Bunning, who is a member of the Finance Committee, has used his right under Senate rules to block further action on both nominations. He is stalling in an effort to put pressure on the Obama administration to prod Canada to change parts of its anti-smoking legislation.

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Holy shit, do you guys ever have a mess in your Senate.

[FarCenter]

1. So lets pass legislation in the US oulawing posession of more than 10 tons of tobacco

Eliminate the production of tabacco products by corporations.

It could be a nice small-scale cottage industry and internet distribution business.

[KamaAina]

2. Headline should read "Punk blocks Punke nomination"

:grr:

[LynneSin]

3. Seriously, I know dead worms with more intelligence than Jim Bunning

He makes 'Teh Stupids' look smart!