Menendez is holding up Obama's Science advisors

[Thrill]

The nominations of two of President Obama's top science advisers have stalled in the Senate, according to several sources, posing a challenge to the administration as it seeks to frame new policies on climate change and other environmental issues.

Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) has placed a "hold" that blocks votes on confirming Harvard University physicist John Holdren, who is in line to lead the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, and Oregon State University marine biologist Jane Lubchenco, Obama's nominee to head the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. According to sources who asked not to be identified because they were not authorized to discuss the matter, Menendez is using the holds as leverage to get Senate leaders' attention for a matter related to Cuba rather than questioning the nominees' credentials.

Jim Manley, spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry M. Reid (D-Nev.), said of Menendez's objections, "We will work to try to address any concerns that he may have."

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/03/02/AR2009030202425.html?wprss=rss_politics

Unreal. Maybe we can start getting somewhere when the Democrats in the Senate stop working against Obama.

[smoogatz]

1. Can you say "primary," Senator Menendez? n/t

[karynnj]

4. For now, I think NJ people here should call his office

I did, saying I was a Democrat, who had phonebanked for him etc. Asked if it were true - no answer. Said that if it continues I would write a LTTE because it is just wrong. Here is the Congressional switchboard number - 202/225-3121.

I think he is completely out of line - there is no relationship between the appointees and his problems.

[n2doc]

2. freakin' insane

We have enough problems with the repubs like Inhofe. Frankly "holds" should be for a very limited time and removed automatically. Why the hell does 1 senator get to stop the confirmation process?

[MoJoWorkin]

3. I am not from New Jersey, but I contacted his office anyway to register my displeasure

with this "hold"

[Blue_In_AK]

5. Oh, please, not Lubchenko. She's fabulous.

See this article by Phil Munger at Progressive Alaska. She will be wonderful for Alaska.

http://progressivealaska.blogspot.com/2008/12/obamas-noaa-appointment-may-have.html

[chill_wind]

6. K & R n/t