Wrangling in the Senate over the John Bolton vote continues. As of 4:08pm EST, the Washington Post reports Sen. Richard Lugar claiming support from all 10 Republicans on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee –for a 10-8 vote. The wavering Lincoln Chafee, whom Dems targeted in online ads and a pressure campaign, voiced his support for Bolton.

But Beltway Buzz at NRO has late-breaking developments: Voinovich Says No On Bolton.

Apparently the Ohio GOP Senator “does not feel comfortable ” casting a vote for Bolton.

Human Events is reporting the same: GOP Sen. Voinovich Opposes Bolton Nomination

Voinovich suggested that the committee delay a vote on the nomination that would send Bolton’s name to the Senate Floor for a full Senate vote.

Stay tuned…

Update: The conservative group Move America Forward has announced an ad campaign targeting Voinovich.

1006pmEST. Here’s the ad text…

Wife: Honey, were you watching C-SPAN today? Did you hear how disloyal Senator Voinovich was to Republicans and President Bush? Voinovich stood with the Democrats and refused to vote for John Bolton, the man President Bush has chosen to fight for the United States at the UN

Husband: No, I was streaming it on the Internet at the office, but from what I could tell, Senator Voinovich played hookey from the hearings?

Wife: Yeah that’s right. He’s missed most of the Bolton confirmation hearings, but then shows up at the last minute and stabs the President and Republicans right in the back.

Husband: That’s ridiculous – the United Nations needs reform, we need someone who will stand up for the United States and fight the UN’s corruption and anti-Americanism.

Wife: Shame on Senator Voinovich. After the Democrats smeared Condoleeza Rice for Secretary of State and Alberto Gonzales for Attorney General, how could Voinovich side with the Democrats in smearing John Bolton?

Husband: It seems like Senator Voinovich has become a traitor to the Republican Party.

Wife: Enough’s enough. I’m logging on to Move America Forward dot com to register my protest with Senator Voinovich’s office.

Husband: What was that site? Move America Forward dot com ?

Wife: Yep, Move America Forward dot com

Right on.

Update II: Ankle Biting Pundits tell it like it is: “Sometimes you wonder if the GOP deserves to have a majority in the Senate. After today, the answer may be ‘No.’”

Beltway Buzz and Rich Lowry have more details.

More verdicts…

The Astute Blogger: Voinovich is a coward

Powerline’s John Hinderaker: The Senate slanderfest continues

Reader Terry R. cut to the chase in a letter he sent to Sen. Lugar:

Grow a pair, Lugar. Bolton should be confirmed ASAP else what’s the point of a Republican majority? I live for the day the GOP grows a spine.

Me, too. But the Spine Fairy doesn’t look like she’ll be visiting the feckless Republican Party leadership quivership any time soon.

The New York Times account is up, with Voinovich making iggly remarks and prattling about his “conscience”–which didn’t awaken until after he missed the two Bolton committee hearings last week.

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