Associated Press
WASHINGTON — The Senate Commerce Committee on Thursday voted against President Bush’s choice to head the Consumer Product Safety Commission, dealing the new administration its first nomination setback.
The vote was a potentially fatal blow to the candidacy of Mary Sheila Gall, who had been assailed by Democrats as too pro-business in her votes as a member of the commission. She was defeated in a party-line vote of 12-11.
"My years of public service to this country simply do not merit today’s vote," Gall, the only Republican on the three-member commission, said in a statement. "My whole life, both personal and professional, has been dedicated to children and families. I will continue to make the safety and well-being of America’s children and families my highest priority."
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a Gall supporter, made a motion that her nomination be sent to the Senate floor, even with a negative recommendation, and that was defeated by the same party-line vote.
Pia Pialorsi, a spokeswoman for Republicans on the committee, said she knew of no other efforts under way to force a full Senate vote.
"Mary Gall did not lose today, bipartisanship lost today," White House spokesman Ari Fleischer said, insisting she is "fair and dedicated."
Democrats on the panel disputed that view. "They can call it whatever they want," said Sen. Barbara Boxer, D-Calif. "Call me old-fashioned, but I thought the chairman of the CPSC should be fighting for consumers."
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