That’s a riot:

Franco says the administration is now looking for a professional diplomat rather than a political appointee because finding an authentically pro-life candidate within the Democratic Party is proving impossible. The task is further hampered by the administration’s desire to reward individuals who gave donations to Obama’s campaign.

So Kmiec’s out. No Kennedys, either- pul-leeze no Kennedys. A nice Episcopalian? Nope that denomination is coming apart like thrift shop sport coat. I know there are actually some Pro-Lifers within the Dem Party. But absolutely none at the most elite level- even our own Sen. Bob Casey was disinvited by the Benedictine college that hosts the Pittsburgh Steelers in pre-season camp. Besides, Steelers owner Dan Rooney is headed for Ireland and while a good man lacks the gift of bi-locality. I would nominate Don Mac but I see problems in the hearing room- instant friction with Leahy or Reid or some other schmoe. Thus, a dilemma.

I really think this has to do with money and contributions

Though yes the stable of compentent pro-life Dems to handle this postion is a little scarce thatn usual I have to think they exist

As mentioned I would be talking to the propsed new Envoy to Ireland. He would be good

I am not sure if Blanco has too much baggage or that she is up for the job but heck take a look at ther

Former Louisiana Senator John Breaux would be a perfect fit it the President can pry him away from his lobbying postion for a couple of years

I have to think in the Hispanic community there has to be one Qualified pro-lifer in Dem circles

I think the Obama administration wants to go with a professional diplomat, because they are expecting relations to worsen with the Vatican. Better to have someone over there who will do what he or she is told rather than send over a Democrat with a pro-life voting record, a sure sign of an independent mind in the current Democrat party, who might decide to resign if relations with the Vatican get too bad.

Perhaps he should look outside of political pay-backs and outside of professional diplomats and go where no one has gone before – to the blogs.

Although seriously, the answer is for him to simply reappoint MaryAnn Glendon, who served for Bush. She was exemplary.

Sure, there are plenty of sufficiently pro-life Catholic Democrats, some of them somewhat prominent. Not only Breaux, but Bart Stupak or Dale Kildee (though I’m not so certain on one of the latter’s stem-cell votes) here in Michigan qualify. And neither would result in the loss of a Democratic seat (both their districts are solidly Democratic).

The problem apparently is that the administration doesn’t know any. Which, given Obama’s ultra-liberal milieu, is the furthest thing from surprising.

And, yes, schadenfreude–but I’d be tickled pink if Kmiec was one of the rejectees.

Late campaign contributions Mike, the mother’s milk of politics!

The Vatican has a lot to learn about what it means to be truly Catholic…there’s a laugh.

Newt Gingrich just converted to Catholicism. Maybe the big O should appoint him. It would accomplish two things, someone with half a brain would be the ambassador and Gingrich would ostensibly be out of BO’s hair.

Gingrich–nooooo. I think converts should be allowed to season for a while before they jump into something this big. Reappointing Glendon would be great, not to mention politically deft, given the ND firestorm.

But it won’t happen.

I agree, Dale. That said, I could actually see how it might work to benefit G’s seasoning. While I’m not a fan either, he’s a smart guy who could become a more serious and informed Catholic as a consequence. Agree it won’t happen though, for a lot of reasons.