Lawless Denounces Bolton Recess Appointment

WARWICK, RI - Jennifer Lawless, a candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives from Rhode Island's second congressional district, condemned President Bush's recess appointment of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

"President Bush's appointment of John Bolton is not only a slap in the face to the United Nations, but it is also a slap in the face to the U.S. Senate and to every American who believes in a fair deliberative process," Lawless said. "This is an underhanded and divisive move by the President. Rather than providing the Senate with information, the President has chosen to subvert the system to get this appointment through while Congress is not in session."

In her campaign, Lawless has emphasized the importance of having more outspoken leaders in Congress who will actively oppose the Bush agenda. "Through conversations with constituents and friends, it is overwhelmingly clear that Rhode Islanders don't think John Bolton should have this job," Lawless said. Although only Senators Reed and Chafee can actually vote on Mr. Bolton's appointment, Lawless believes that all members of the congressional delegation must be outspoken advocates for Rhode Islanders. "We need to send leaders to Washington who will speak out for what Rhode Islanders believe in."

This recess appointment will allow Mr. Bolton to serve until at least January 2007 without confirmation by the Senate. Bolton's nomination had been stalled in the U.S. Senate amid accusations that Bolton did not have the temperament for the job. According to a recent Zogby poll, more than 80 percent of Rhode Islanders oppose the President's nomination of John Bolton, who is the first U.S. ambassador to the United Nations appointed during a recess since 1948.