Bush Considering Recess Appointment for Bolton

If you thought you'd seen fireworks in the Senate over the Bolton nomination so far, just wait. According to news reports today on Fox News, Bush may consider taking my advice:

Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice (search) is keeping open the possibility that President Bush will bypass the Senate to get John R. Bolton (search) installed as U.N. ambassador temporarily if Democrats persist in holding up a confirmation vote.

Rice, on a trip to the Middle East and Europe, commented in a round of television interviews Sunday as Democrats defended their attempt to block a vote on Bolton's nomination. They said the administration's refusal to turn over intelligence information is delaying an up-or-down decision.

...Asked on "Fox News Sunday" whether Bush would consider a recess appointment of Bolton — a temporary placement that does not require Senate approval — Rice said: "We'll see what happens this week."

The Senate plans to take a July Fourth recess in two weeks. Under the Constitution, a president can make an appointment during a Senate recess without the chamber's approval of the nominee. That appointment lasts only through the next one-year session of Congress — which in this case would mean until January 2007.

I thought it was a good idea when I suggested it awhile back. And while he's at it, we should throw in a couple of those judges the Senate won't confirm.