Washington ? The State Department’s former intelligence chief testified Tuesday that John R. Bolton was a “serial abuser” of subordinates who once tried to remove an intelligence analyst because of a disagreement and was “a quintessential kiss-up, kick-down sort of guy.”

But it appeared that the testimony of Carl W. Ford Jr., former assistant secretary of State for intelligence and research, had not changed any votes on Bolton’s confirmation as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Republicans control the Senate Foreign Relations Committee with a 10-8 majority and were seen as likely to approve Bolton’s nomination.

President Bush’s choice of Bolton alarmed Senate Democrats who view the nominee as a foe of the world body and a symbol of failed U.S. intelligence practices. An outspoken conservative who has been a harsh critic of the United Nations, Bolton testified Monday that, if confirmed, he would implement the president’s policies and work closely with allies at the United Nations as he tries to reform the world body.

‘Loyal’ Republican

The testimony by Ford, who said he was a “loyal” conservative Republican, was solicited by the Democrats to impeach Bolton’s character.

Sen. Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, the only committee Republican known to be wavering, was “still inclined” to vote in favor of Bolton, Chafee spokesman Stephen Hourahan said Tuesday. Chafee “has not made up his mind” and “is going to spend some time reading written testimony” from other witnesses, Hourahan said.

Democrats signaled that they might seek to subpoena additional witnesses — who are still in the administration and may not testify voluntarily — to buttress their arguments that Bolton retaliated against analysts who would not alter their assessments.

A committee vote could come Thursday or by early next week, possibly sending the nomination to the Senate floor, where Bolton is likely to win confirmation on a party-line vote. Democrats could mount a filibuster to block Bolton’s nomination, but they did not indicate Tuesday that they planned to do so.

Contentious hearings

Ford testified on the second day of contentious hearings over the nomination of Bolton, 56, who has served since 2001 as undersecretary of State for arms control and international security. Ford retired after serving more than 30 years in the Army, the Defense Intelligence Agency, the CIA, the Pentagon and as head of the State Department’s intelligence bureau.

Describing himself as an “enthusiastic supporter” of Bush and his policies, and as a fan of Vice President Dick Cheney, Ford said he felt awkward testifying against the president’s nominee. He said he agreed to do so only after committee Democrats suggested they might subpoena him.

But Ford went on to denounce Bolton’s treatment of subordinates.

“There are a lot of screamers in government,” Ford said. “I’ve never seen anyone like Secretary Bolton … in terms of how he abuses little people.”

Ford acknowledged that he might not be objective about Bolton, but he denied suggestions by Republican senators that his testimony may stem from personal animosity. Ford said he found Bolton’s treatment of others “professionally unacceptable.”

“I’m as conservative as John Bolton is,” Ford said, but added, “It is out of bounds in the federal bureaucracy to let a bully run wild on the people.”

Democrats praised Ford for coming forward, but committee Republicans questioned the intelligence official’s allegations as they moved to shore up Bolton’s nomination.

The State Department continued Tuesday to defend Bolton. Asked for Bolton’s response to Ford’s charges, State Department spokesman Richard Boucher said: “I don’t think anything more needs to be said. The president nominated him and has confidence that he will do an excellent job for us at the U.N., and we believe he should be confirmed.”

Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman Richard G. Lugar, R-Ind., said he would vote for Bolton. Although the demeanor of an official is important, he said, “the paramount issue as I see it is the reform of the United Nations.”

“This is not meant to excuse any particular conduct,” Lugar said.