GOP senator says Dems trying to rush TSA nominee

[December 30, 2009]  WASHINGTON (AP) -- A Republican senator who has been blocking President Barack Obama's nominee to head the Transportation Security Administration complains that Democrats are trying to rush a vote on the nominee without adequate debate.

Sen. Jim DeMint of South Carolina has placed a hold on the nomination of former FBI agent and police detective Erroll Southers.

DeMint said Wednesday that he is concerned that Southers would let TSA screeners join a labor union.

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid has accused Republicans of jeopardizing national security by playing politics with Southers' nomination.

The holdup in Southers' confirmation has been highlighted since the airliner attack last week in Detroit.

DeMint appeared on CBS' "The Early Show."

[Associated Press]

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