WASHINGTON: A prominent American lawmaker has proposed nominating his key supporter as the new US ambassador to New Delhi, bringing attention to a post that has fallen victim to what experts call Washington's "sclerotic" decision-making system. California represenative Brad Sherman wants the Obama administration to nominate former California Lt Gov Cruz Bustamante, who recently endorsed him in a tough upcoming Congressional race, as the next ambassador to India. The move, which has slim chance of success given the long drawn nomination process amid more urgent foreign policy concerns in Washington, will fill the New Delhi post which is currently being held on a interim basis by Charge d'Affaires A Peter Burliegh.
The fact that the Obama administration is yet to nominate a full-fledged ambassador after the departure of Tim Roemer is seen as evidence that Washington has put ties with India on the backburner.
This is the second time that the hapless Burleigh, who is highly regarded in the administration , has been interim ambassador in New Delhi. He previously held fort after the departure of David Mulford , keeping the seat warm for appointee Tim Roemer.
In fact, Burliegh's career has been one of missed opportunities thanks to a tortuous Washington process with many moving pieces, including the whims of individual lawmakers. He was once nominated as ambassador to Baghdad , but the confirmation hearing never happened amid the first Gulf War. Another time, he was named as a standin for Bill Richardson as acting permanent UN representative to keep the seat warm for Richard Holbrooke.
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