Au Revoir to MSHA Nominee?

When last we left the sad story of Mine Safety and Health Nominee Richard Stickler, White House Press Secretary Tony Snow was claiming to "have no earthly clue" about his status. The vote on Stickler's nomination, as you may remember, was cancelled by Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist because they didn't have enough votes to confirm. Then Senators Robert Byrd and Ted Kennedy employed a rarely used Senate rule to send the nomination back to the White House -- which means that Bush either has to renominate Stickler or find a new candidate.

Well, it looks like the Administration may be looking for a new candidate. At the White House Press Conference the following day, Snow admitted that the White House may be looking for a new candidate:

Q: Did you get a chance to follow up on the mine safety nomination by any chance?

MR. SNOW: At this point, we don't have any. We don't have any likely -- we're not in a position to announce another nominee.

Q: But are you planning to make another nomination and not a recess appointment?

MR. SNOW: You know, from what I gather, yes, but I'll find out.

Hmm. I'd say if I was Richard Stickler, I don't think I'd be looking to buy a house in Washington.

Hat tip to Mine Safety and Health News.