Cryyyyying....Over You

I've seen some really silly stuff done in the Senate lately, but metrosexual Ohio Senator George Voinovich's crying jag over the Bolton nomination may be the silliest yet:

During a long day of heated debate, most criticism of Bolton came from Democrats, but one Republican was similarly outspoken -- Sen. George Voinovich of Ohio.

After a long speech about what he called the loss of U.S. credibility in the world and Bolton's harsh management style, Voinovich choked up and struggled to hold back tears as he asked for Bolton's defeat. He said too many senators didn't seem to understand how crucial the U.N. job was to America's image abroad.

"I know some of my friends say, 'Let it go, George, it's going to work out.' I don't want to take the risk," Voinovich said. "I came back here [to the Senate] and ran for a second term because I'm worried about my kids and my grandchildren. And I just hope my colleagues will take the time ... and do some serious thinking about whether or not we should send John Bolton to the United Nations."

Let's reflect just a moment if we can. Back during the Bolton hearings, Senator "Weepy" Voinovich didn't bother to attend when Bolton testified. He had the opportunity to ask him any question he wanted, but he didn't show up.

It was only as the final vote was being prepared that Weepy showed up, and after hearing the Democrats talk about what a meany Bolton was, got cold feet and suddenly discovered objections that he hadn't known were there. His little performance that day threw the whole committee into an uproar.

Since then, in what appears to me to be a face-saving effort, he's gone out of his way to oppose Bolton. Yesterday he sent a letter to all Senators urging them to reject Bolton, which was then followed by his tearful speech.

What is it with Ohio? A lot of good Republicans fought hard to make sure that state went for Bush, and our reward is Weepy and the other senator, Mike DeWine, one of the Gang of 14, both of whom have stabbed Bush in the back.

The good news is Bolton will be confirmed despite Weepy's three-hanky speech. The vote will be close, but he'll win.

DeWine may have unwittingly created some problems for his son, Pat. Pat is running in a primary next month for an open seat in Congress, and the folks back home are not happy. While you may argue it's unfair to punish the son for the sins of the father, a lot of Ohio voters are going to do just that, and a primary that Pat was thought to be able to win easily may be lost as a result. This is a safe Republican seat, so whoever wins the nomination will win the general election.

Politics is a contact sport, and DeWine senior should have taken a moment to consider how his joining the Gang of 14 could affect DeWine the junior's chances. The Republican base is very, very unhappy, and if they can't take it out on DeWine the senior, look for junior to pay the price.