Thune to Oppose Bolton

Freshman South Dakota senator John Thune became the second Republican in the Senate to say he will vote against confirmation of embattled UN ambassador nominee John Bolton, reports the Sioux Falls Argus Leader.

Thune's opposition to Bolton is linked, he hinted, at Administration plans to close Ellsworth Air Force Base in his home state, telling reporters "I'm concerned about our diplomatic posture as a nation, and I'm concerned about our defensive posture. These issues are not unrelated." He added "Everyone has to come to their own decision about it, and that's the decision I have come to. John Bolton is not the best man for this job."

While I'm not sure opposition to Bolton is the best way to signal his displeasure with the Pentagon or the Bush Administration (it could be a rather unwise political move), I'm delighted to have him on our side in the ongoing nomination saga. Thune joins Ohio's George Voinovich, who until yesterday was the sole announced Republican opponent of Bolton.