Shelby blocking scores of Obama political appointees

The Washington Post is reporting that Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) has placed a blanket hold on more than 70 Obama administration nominees because of home state concerns with the future of the Air Force's tanker fleet and disagreements with the White House over funding for anti-terrorism programs.

Shelby's concerns are rooted in the future of the KC-135 Air Force tanker fleet, a project that could generate thousands of jobs in Alabama. He has placed holds on "several pending nominees," Shelby spokesman Jonathan Graffeo told the Post. The office of Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) told the Post that Shelby's holds applied to more than 70 nominees; Shelby's office did not immediately specify the number.

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