Senate OKs Oil Lobbyist for Saudi Post

[Khephra]

Senate OKs Oil Lobbyist for Saudi Post
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Published: December 9, 2003


Filed at 10:35 p.m. ET

WASHINGTON (AP) -- The Senate on Tuesday confirmed Texas oil lobbyist James Oberwetter to be ambassador to Saudi Arabia. Oberwetter, 59, promised in his confirmation hearings to encourage democratic reforms and tolerance for other religions if confirmed. But he'll also be expected by some in Congress to foster more cooperation from Saudi Arabia in fighting terrorism.

Oberwetter, of Dallas, is a lobbyist for Hunt Oil Co., an independent exploration and production company started by legendary wildcatter H.L. Hunt.

The Senate confirmed his nomination on a voice vote.

He faced no opposition in his initial confirmation hearing. But New York Sen. Charles Schumer, a Democrat, had asked Bush to withdraw Oberwetter's nomination. Schumer said it sends the message that the U.S. relationship with Saudi Arabia is based on oil.

more...........

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/national/AP-Saudi-Arabia-Ambassador.html

[hedda_foil]

1. Well gee, Chuck, d'ya think?

Huh! Guess that's why you get to be the Senator and I'm just a lowly DUer. WTF do you THINK the farking Saudi relationship is about, Chuck? Waffles? Tinfoil? Pot-bellied hog futures?

Schumer can be okay on occasion ... he even rises to excellent once in awhile, but this quote is just too inane.

[gmoney]

2. Can we please just kill all the lobbyists?

How do these guys sleep at night?