NATION : Senate Rejects Choice of Cason for Natural Resources Position
The Senate today returned to the White House the nomination of James Cason for a top natural resources job in the Agriculture Department, marking its first rejection of a presidential appointment since John Tower was denied confirmation as defense secretary.
“I can see the handwriting on the wall,” Republican Leader Bob Dole of Kansas said in asking that the Senate not act on the nomination.
Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.), who led the opposition, said Cason would have been defeated by a 20-vote margin, including more than five Republicans, if a confirmation vote had been taken.
Senate Majority Leader George J. Mitchell (D-Me.) said he would strongly urge President Bush not to resubmit Cason as a nominee or appoint him during the congressional recess as a means of circumventing the confirmation process.
Cason, who has been a high-ranking official at the Interior Department since 1982, was nominated to be assistant secretary of agriculture for natural resources and soil conservation.
Leahy and other opponents say his record at Interior shows a preference for private development interests over environmental concerns.
Later, the White House said it has no intention of withdrawing the nomination.
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