How to get your name in the paper (or How much publicity does a politician really need?)

Since her selection by the Obama team months ago, it has been a foregone conclusion Hillary Clinton would have no real issue assuming her position as Secretary of State come inauguration day. All seemed well last week, when the nomination was backed with a 16-1 vote by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, seemingly easing the way through the Senate. With the overwhelming popularity of the new President, and a nation currently on an Obama-high, there exists not a single figure in Washington that would question the inevitability of the appointment.
Hold on just a minute. Just when we thought this “bi-partisan” concept might actually work, enter John Cornyn to pull us back to reality. Cornyn, the republican senator from Texas, is demanding a “full and open debate” to examine the source of funds donated to Bill Clinton’s foundation. Never mind that the Clinton Global Initiative brings together political and business leaders to develop poverty-relief solutions and raise money for education, health care and environmental projects, and let’s forget that the Clintons have already made huge concessions to the Obama team before she was selected for the post. What really matters is that now, being the lone dissenter, Senator Cornyn get his name mentioned in every article and news broadcast for the next two weeks fighting for a cause that no one has deemed worth fighting, no one wants to fight, and no one really cares about. In fact, fellow Republican Orrin Hatch of Utah echoed this sentiment particularly well. “I don’t think we should hold things up,” said Hatch. “Look, she’s going to be secretary of state, and I think we should support her.”
Mr. Cronyn, we appreciate your need to be seen and heard, and it is completely expected from our politicians. We would be shocked if it didn’t happen. But in a floundering economy, with a million worthwhile causes worth fighting for begging for attention, fighting a foregone conclusion is insanity. The cost of an additional Senate session allowing you more time to pander to the camera while rambling on about desperately needed donations going to a worthwhile cause that only you, in your infinite wisdom, have deemed “questionable” is not only regrettable but a complete misuse of the trust of those you represent. Save us, please, the time and money. We will be glad to give you attention, Mr. Senator, once you do something worthwhile.