Brownback puts nomination of abortion-rights supporter on hold

? Sen. Sam Brownback has put a hold on the White House’s nomination of a prominent abortion-rights supporter to a diplomatic post.

The Kansas Republican, a strong abortion opponent with presidential aspirations, says he has concerns about Julie Finley’s nomination as ambassador to the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe.

Brownback is chairman of the Helsinki Commission, an independent U.S. government agency that formulates policy on OSCE issues. The Vienna-based organization monitors compliance with human rights and security standards in Europe established by the 1975 Helsinki Accords.

“I have some concerns about Ms. Finley, and I would like to have assurances about these issues before I make any final decisions on the nomination moving forward,” Brownback said in a statement.

Finley, a Bush supporter and Republican fund-raiser, is a founding member of WISH list, a political action committee that raises money for female Republican candidates who support abortion rights.

Brownback’s office declined to specify his concerns, but the senator was to meet with Finley today to discuss her nomination. Finley declined to comment.

A single senator can block a nomination from moving forward by placing a hold on it.

Some anti-abortion groups mobilized last month to stop Finley’s nomination based on her abortion views. The Republican National Coalition for Life has urged its members to contact the White House to oppose the nomination.

James Geoffrey, a commission spokesman, said the issue of abortion was not typically addressed by the OSCE.

Finley is a trustee and treasurer for the National Endowment for Democracy.