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GOP Blocks Obama Interior Dep't Pick

Rejection of top deputy marks first Republican KO of nominee

By the Associated Press

Posted May 13, 2009 11:31 AM CDT

(AP) – Republicans have blocked President Obama's pick for the No. 2 job at the Interior Department because of a flap over oil leases in Utah. In a 57-39 Senate vote, Democrats fell short of the 60 votes they would have needed to advance the nominee past GOP obstacles. It's the first time Republicans have blocked an Obama nominee.

David Hayes is an environmental lawyer picked by Obama to serve as Interior's deputy secretary, the same post he held during the last 3 years of the Clinton administration. Sen. Bob Bennett led Republican opposition to Hayes' nomination after Interior Secretary Ken Salazar canceled oil and gas leases in Bennett's home state of Utah.

Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar speaks to reporters at the Windpower 2009 conference and exhibition on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, in Chicago.
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar speaks to reporters at the Windpower 2009 conference and exhibition on Tuesday, May 5, 2009, in Chicago.   (AP Photo/M. Spencer Green)
With the Washington Monument looming at left, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar talks with a park employee following a news conference at the Interior Department.
With the Washington Monument looming at left, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar talks with a park employee following a news conference at the Interior Department.   (AP Photo/Haraz N. Ghanbari)
President Barack Obama changes places with Vice President Joe Biden to make remarks  Tuesday, May 12, 2009.
President Barack Obama changes places with Vice President Joe Biden to make remarks Tuesday, May 12, 2009.   (AP Photo/Ron Edmonds)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
RobN
May 13, 2009 10:15 AM CDT
What's this statement supposed to mean? The article gives credit/blame to the Reps for blocking this guy. They can't block anything and I was simply pointing that out.
northeast
May 13, 2009 8:04 AM CDT
If you're getting THIS MAD over a two-paragraph blurb, I suggest you read the entire story.
foodchain11
May 13, 2009 6:18 AM CDT
Oh Rob, 60 votes doesn't have anything to do with right or wrong.

Copyright 2012 Newser, LLC. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. AP contributed to this report.

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