Korologos hearing turns into a 'roast'

WASHINGTON — Utahn Tom Korologos, who during 40 years of lobbying literally wrote the commandments of how to win Senate confirmation, orchestrated a dream hearing Wednesday for his own nomination as ambassador to Belgium.

A long parade of senators from both parties testified for him. His extended Greek-American family filled every available seat. No one uttered any criticism. So, after much joking and strong testimonials, no senators even bothered to ask him any questions.

Then Democrats — not just his fellow Republicans — called for quick confirmation, noting the United States has not had an ambassador to Belgium since September. It is a key country for diplomatic relations where both NATO and the European Union have headquarters.

"This isn't a nomination hearing. It's a roast," said Sen. George Allen, R-Va., amid much joking and reminiscing by senators about Korologos. who for four decades was one of the most influential lobbyists in Washington.

In fact, Korologos, 71, shepherded more than 400 people through the confirmation process, including most controversial GOP nominees to the Supreme Court. He even wrote what are called "Korologos' Commandments," which most nominees now study and follow as they seek confirmation.

All senators know him well. And members of the Foreign Relations Committee, which is considering his nomination, learned to know him better during his most recent job helping to rebuild Iraq as counsel to U.S. administrator Paul Bremer. Korologos gave tours to most members of the committee when they visited Iraq.

In his opening statement, Korologos said, "I know how to negotiate. I know how to build consensus. I know how to close the deal. And as many of you know firsthand, I am also able to twist arms and kick shins if I have to in order to get my point across. In other words, I've been in training for this position all my life."

While America and Belgium are allies, Korologos noted that Belgium did not join coalition forces against Iraq, but he said seeking help from it in the rebuilding of Iraq will be among his highest priorities if confirmed.

In most confirmation hearings, only a nominee's home-state senators speak for him. But Korologos saw six senators speak on his behalf — including former Democratic Majority Leader Robert Byrd, D-W.Va.; Senate President Pro Tempore Ted Stevens, R-Alaska; John McCain, R-Ariz., a leader of moderates; and Sen. Paul Sarbanes, D-Md., a senior Democrat on the Foreign Affairs Committee.