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Kyl: Clinton Would Be a ‘Good Choice’

Senate Minority Whip Jon Kyl (R-Ariz.) on Sunday said he thought Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) would make a “good choice” for secretary of State, an indication Republicans may not seek as a party to block Clinton on the floor should she get the nod from President-elect Barack Obama.

“She’s got the experience. She’s go the temperament for it,” Kyl said during an appearance on “Fox News Sunday.”

Clinton is said to be among the leading candidates to become secretary of State. She has in the past been viewed as a polarizing figure, and some of former President Bill Clinton’s business practices since his presidency ended in 2001 have raised eyebrows.

Kyl added that he did not know if she could be confirmed, but he suggested this was not based on any specific information – simply an indication that he has not run the traps on what would happen if she is nominated.

Appearing with Kyl on the program was Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.), who indicated Democrats have agreed not to say whether they will move to strip Sen. Joseph Lieberman (ID-Conn.) of his chairmanship of the Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. Dorgan said he and other Democrats would await Lieberman’s presentation at a meeting of Senate Democrats on Tuesday and then vote by secret ballot on what to do.

Lieberman backed Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) during McCain’s presidential run this fall, spoke out against Obama and appeared at the Republican National Convention.

Dorgan said he objected strongly to Lieberman’s actions. But he added that there will be no move to cut Lieberman loose from the Democrats, with whom the independent caucuses.

Kyl said with obvious relish that Republicans would welcome Lieberman into the fold.

The two senators also battled back and forth over a Democratic plan to divert $25 billion from the $700 billion financial system bailout bill to aid automakers. The proposal is likely to be one of the few significant measures considered during this week’s lame-duck session.

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