Posted on: Friday, January 28, 2005
Inouye says vote for Rice not a policy endorsement
Advertiser Staff
U.S. Sen. Dan Inouye said that although he voted for the confirmation of Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state, he doesn't necessarily agree with her philosophy or vision on the war on terrorism and the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Inouye gave two reasons for his support.
As a rule, he said, he supports nominees "unless the nominee is a criminal or intellectually or mentally unfit" to serve.
Inouye also said it would have been hypocritical of him to condemn Rice for her statements leading up to the war because none of his colleagues condemned her predecessor, Colin Powell, for
"lying and misleading" when he made a case for war to the United Nations' Security Council.
Inouye supported Rice's nomination, while Hawai'i's other senator, Daniel Akaka, voted against her. Rice was confirmed by the Senate on Wednesday.
U.S. Sen. Dan Inouy
