Voinovich Surprised By Reaction

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports that Ohio Republican Senator George Voinovich is surprised by the reaction to his surprise announcement that he wasn't prepared to vote to confirm John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations:

Voinovich, answering questions briefly from reporters Thursday, said he planned to vote for Bolton before Tuesday's meeting of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee because he felt reassured by an earlier private meeting with Bolton in which he asked many hard questions about foreign policy.

Voinovich said he changed his mind for various reasons, including "hearing some things that bothered me" at the committee meeting.

He cited complaints about Bolton's interpersonal relationships that made him question whether Bolton treats people "with dignity and respect."

Voinovich said he also was disturbed by the outrage on the faces of Democrats on the panel who complained that they weren't being given a chance to examine allegations about Bolton.

The reaction that surprised Voinovich includes Move America Forward's radio advertising campaign criticizing Voinovich's action and a steady stream of e-mails and phone calls on the Bolton issue.

The ad targeting Voinovich is tough:

[dinner sound effects/cutlery]

Wife: Honey, were you watching C-SPAN today? Did you hear how disloyal Senator Voinovich was to Republicans and President Bush? Voinovich stood with the Democrats and refused to vote for John Bolton, the man President Bush has chosen to fight for the United States at the UN

Husband: No, I was streaming it on the Internet at the office, but from what I could tell, Senator Voinovich played hookey from the hearings?

Wife: Yeah that’s right. He’s missed most of the Bolton confirmation hearings, but then shows up at the last minute and stabs the President and Republicans right in the back.

Husband: That’s ridiculous – the United Nations needs reform, we need someone who will stand up for the United States and fight the UN’s corruption and anti-Americanism.

Wife: Shame on Senator Voinovich. After the Democrats smeared Condoleeza Rice for Secretary of State and Alberto Gonzales for Attorney General, how could Voinovich side with the Democrats in smearing John Bolton?

Husband: It seems like Senator Voinovich has become a traitor to the Republican Party.

Wife: Enough’s enough. I’m logging on to Move America Forward dot com to register my protest with Senator Voinovich’s office.

Husband: What was that site? Move America Forward dot com ?

Wife: Yep, Move America Forward dot com

Comments

[Kent]

While I'm no fan of the Senator, I thought the ad was much too snarky. Words like "traitors" shouldn't be thrown around so lightly.