Prospects are looking grim for Julie Myers, whose original nomination to lead the immigration and customs enforcement arm of the homeland security department first stalled in the Senate more than two years ago.
Myers was "recess-appointed" by the Bush administration, sidestepping a confirmation vote, but that appointment is now close to expiration. Enter Joe Lieberman, who helped shepherd Myers toward an official Senate vote -- undoing some of the Republican goodwill earned by his stalwart support for the Iraq war.
Just when Democrats appeared ready to put aside their concerns about Myers' qualifications, she showed up at an office Halloween party to judge a costume contest ... and proceeded to give the "most original" award to a white employee dressed in prison garb, blackface and dreadlocks. Now Democratic leaders are making no promises, and White House connections deep enough to alarm conservatives may not be enough to push Myers through.
