Bolton Cloture Vote Monday

[Note: This post contains Bolton updates through 11:30 p.m. Thursday. Beyond that, please see the main page.]

The AP reports that the next attempt to invoke cloture on the Bolton nomination will come on Monday, quoting GOP leadership aides. An aide to Harry Reid says he doesn't think the votes will be there for cloture unless the White House relents on the document requests. More as it comes in.

[Update: Steve Clemons, back in contact, posts more, noting that The Hill reports that those who had previously opposed cloture seem to be standing firm, and that Senator Pryor may join other Democrats in opposing an end to debate. Clemons adds that Bob Novak has begun urging a recess appointment for Bolton. -- 6:02 p.m.]

[Update: I want to note, a recess appointment of John Bolton would be an outrageous end-run around the advice and consent function of the United States Senate, and would do little to burnish the much-damaged effectiveness of Mr. Bolton once he gets to the United Nations. Yes, admittedly that damage might not have been done had opponents of the nomination not asked the questions they have - but any damage to the reputation of Mr. Bolton has been completely self-inflicted.

If Bolton did not have a substantial record of attempting to sideline - if not fire - those who disagree with him, of attempting to over-hype intelligence in multiple areas, of damaging relationships and negotiations with allies, he would have easily sailed through to confirmation. As I've said time and time again, this is not about John Bolton being an advocate of UN reform - I'm an advocate of major UN reform. It is about John Bolton's record as a bull in a china shop, and the utter uselessness that such a managerial and (un)diplomatic style would have in attempting to lead the United Nations toward more efficient and effective operation. -- 6:21 p.m.]

[Update: Frist has announced that there will be an hour of debate on Bolton beginning at 5 p.m. Monday, with a vote to reconsider last month's failed cloture vote at 6 p.m. No Senate session tomorrow. -- 7:12 p.m.]

[Update: The AP reports tonight that Bolton met today with Senators Dodd and Biden, in a session that a Democrat aide says was arranged by Senator McCain. "Dodd's spokeswoman, Stacie Paxton, said the senator asked Bolton to persuade Vice President Cheney to provide the Senate with information the Democrats have requested about National Security Agency intercepts. She said Bolton had no response." - 10:50 p.m.]

[Update: Sheryl Gay Stolberg adds for Friday's New York Times (where is Doug Jehl?) a somewhat transparent Frist comment noting that he moved the cloture vote to Monday because "Constructive discussions have continued over the course of yesterday and over the course of today..." -- 11:23 p.m.]