Rhode Island tells Chafee to vote 'No' on Bolton

'Tis true:

Over 80 percent of Rhode Islanders oppose the nomination of John Bolton for U.S. Ambassador to UN, according to a recent survey taken by Zogby. The survey shows the growing disconnect between Senator Lincoln Chafee (R-RI), who continues to express support for the Bolton nomination, and his constituents, the majority of whom are opposed to the appointment. In addition, 55.6 percent of those polled said that should Senator Chafee vote for John Bolton's nomination, they would be less likely to support his reelection bid.

Citizens for Global Solutions Executive Vice-President Don Kraus said, "A bipartisan majority of Rhode Islanders oppose the Bolton nomination and are willing to take their opposition to the polling booths next year. Senator Chafee now has an important decision to make; he must decide between partisan politics or the opinions of the people of Rhode Island."

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Senator Chafee has said he is inclined to support the nomination because he is unwilling to intervene in Presidential appointments. However, 62.3 percent of Rhode Island Democrats and 71.9 percent of Rhode Island Republicans believe that Senator Chafee should not vote for a nominee who is unpopular in Rhode Island, even if the Bush administration asks him to do so.

Don Kraus noted, "Rhode Islanders value the United States role in the world more so than reforming social security, end of life issues and tax reform. They want a credible ambassador who believes in the UN and has the ability to bring countries together to solve problems. Rhode Islanders do not believe John Bolton is the right man for this job.