Bush Lobbies Senate to Approve UN Ambassador Candidate

President Bush is urging the U.S. Senate to approve John Bolton for the key post of Ambassador to the United Nations. Mr. Bush says partisan bickering is to blame for a delay in the confirmation process.

John Bolton has proven to be one of the president's most controversial nominees.

Democrats charge he verbally abused subordinates at the State Department and does not have the temperament to serve as America's representative to the U.N.

President Bush disagrees and accuses opponents of playing politics with the nomination.

"John's distinguished career and service to our nation demonstrates that he is the right man at the right time for this important assignment," he said.

The president says Mr. Bolton, who currently serves as Undersecretary of State for Arms Control, is a good man who deserves the U.N. post.

A Senate panel was poised to vote on the nomination Tuesday, but postponed the vote for three weeks after a committee Republican asked for more time to study the allegations.