What's His Problem?

NOMINATION PROCRASTINATION Despite Foreign Relations Committee chairman Jesse Helms' staunch disapproval, Carol Moseley-Braun has been confirmed for an ambassadorship, The bullish 78-year-old seems to have a problem with almost every nominee.

NOMINEE CAROL MOSELEY-BRAUN

AMBASSADORSHIP New Zealand

HELMS' PROBLEM Moseley-Braun helped defeat Helms' plan to renew a design patent on an insignia that featured the Confederate flag

HOW LONG HE HELD THE PROCESS UP More than a month, then she won

[NOMINEE] JAMES HORMEL

[AMBASSADORSHIP] Luxembourg

[HELMS' PROBLEM] Hormel is gay

[HOW LONG HE HELD THE PROCESS UP] 21 months, then the Prez appointed Hormel during a Senate recess

[NOMINEE] J. BRIAN ATWOOD

[AMBASSADORSHIP] Brazil

[HELMS' PROBLEM] He accused Helms of "a negative abuse of power" that hindered U.S. foreign policy

[HOW LONG HE HELD THE PROCESS UP] Two months, then Atwood withdrew his nomination

[NOMINEE] WILLIAM WELD

[AMBASSADORSHIP] Mexico

[HELMS' PROBLEM] Weld's criticism of Helms; Weld's wife once donated $200 to a Helms opponent

[HOW LONG HE HELD THE PROCESS UP] Five months, then Clinton withdrew the nomination