May 12 (Bloomberg) -- Republican Senator George Voinovich of Ohio said he won't support John Bolton's nomination to be U.S. ambassador the United Nations when the Senate Foreign Relations Committee votes today.

Voinovich's opposition would bar the panel's approval.

``Bolton would have been fired if he worked for a major corporation,'' Voinovich said as the panel opened final debate on the nomination. Bolton is ``the poster child for what someone in the diplomatic corps should not be,'' Voinovich said.

A vote on Bolton, as UN envoy, is scheduled after the five- hour committee hearing, which began at 10:00 a.m. in Washington. Republicans control the panel 10-8. A tie vote in committee would deny Bolton a favorable recommendation and reduce his chances of confirmation by the full chamber.

The Senate panel's examination of Bolton's fitness to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations has uncovered nothing to disqualify him, Chairman Richard Lugar of Indiana said after the hearing began.

Bolton, 56, currently undersecretary of state for arms control, would strengthen the world body's image in the U.S., has the qualities to implement needed reforms, and should be approved by the panel, Lugar of Indiana said.

Voinovich urged that Lugar send the nomination to the full Senate without recommendations. Republicans hold a 55-44 majority in the chamber with one independent.

To contact the reporter on this story: Jeff St.Onge in Washington at jstonge@bloomberg.net

Last Updated: May 12, 2005 11:17 EDT