The End for Bolton

As regular readers of the Sentinel know, we have actively supported the retention of Ambassador John Bolton. We have heartily promoted the Blogging for Bolton program, as is obvious as you scroll through our site.

I now appears that the effort of the conservative blogosphere has come up short. The AP is reporting that President Bush has accepted Bolton's resignation, effective at the end of his current term.

WASHINGTON -- Unable to win Senate confirmation, U.N. Ambassador John Bolton will step down when his recess appointment expires soon, the White House said Monday.

Bolton's nomination has languished in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee for more than a year, blocked by Democrats and several Republicans. Sen. Lincoln Chafee, a moderate Republican who lost in the midterm elections Nov. 7 that swept Democrats to power in both houses of Congress, was adamantly opposed to Bolton.

President Bush gave Bolton the job temporarily in August 2005, while Congress was in recess. But the appointment expires when Congress formally adjourns, no later than early January.

Although Bush could not give Bolton another recess appointment, the White House was believed to be exploring other ways of keeping him in the job, perhaps by giving him a title other than ambassador. But Bolton informed the White House he intended to leave when his current appointment expires, White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said.

Bill Kristol on Fox, says that the Administration did not fight hard enough. "Sends a signal" that a man that was strong on national security is leaving the Administration. He believes that Bush should appoint Bolton as deputy sectratary of state.

John Miller at NR's The Corner: "How about Rick Santorum for the UN job?"

From Redstate: "we can chalk-up one in the "win" column for Chris Dodd. Oh, joy!"

Well, this should be a sad day for those that appreciate the job that John Bolton has done at the UN. This is yet another example of what we have for the next two years.

From Allah at HotAir: "Bad things happen when you lose your majority."

Here's what we had on Bolton a few weeks ago:

Look out for a compromise appointee.

Blogging for Bolton w/ video.

We'll update as available.