Political Blackmail

This AP article explains how nominees for government agencies (not solely judicial nominees) can be held up by a single U.S. Senator. The use of "holds" has become prevalent in the Senate and appears to be nothing more than blackmail that can be carried out by a single individual. Typically, holds are done anonymously so other senators don't know who is preventing a nomination. "It has now become one of the most powerful and least known tools in American government," according to Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR).

Sens. Patty Murray, D-Wash., and Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y., say they will block a vote on Lester Crawford to head the FDA until the agency decides whether to allow over-the-counter sales of post-sex contraceptives.

Sen. Evan Bayh, D-Ind., says he won't allow a vote to confirm Rep. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, as U.S. Trade Representative until Senate leaders agree to take up his bill on enforcing anti-subsidy laws against China and other non-market economies.

Sen. Max Baucus, D-Mont., says he will block nominees because of recent department rulings that he says make it more difficult to sell farm products to Cuba.