May 26 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Senate delayed a vote on the nomination of John Bolton to be U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, carrying a drawn-out fight on President George W. Bush's choice over until after next week's congressional recess.

Republicans got only 56 of the 60 votes necessary to override stalling tactics by Democrats who insisted the final vote shouldn't be held until the Bush administration releases classified documents on Bolton they asked for weeks ago. The vote on whether to end debate was 56-42.

Bolton's critics now have more time to muster opposition to the nomination. Only one Republican, George Voinovich of Ohio, has said publicly that he'll vote against Bolton. Several Democrats have said they may support him. Republicans outnumber Democrats in the chamber, 55-44, with one independent.

The Senate Foreign Relations Committee on May 12 voted 10-8 to forward Bolton's nomination to the floor without its endorsement after Voinovich opposed Bolton, saying he lacked a diplomat's temperament. Voinovich voted to allow the full Senate to consider the nomination.

Supporters of Bolton, 56, undersecretary of state for arms control, dispute the allegations and say he will strongly defend U.S. interests and carry out needed reforms at the UN. He has won Senate confirmation to government posts on four prior occasions.

To contact the reporter on this story: Janine Zacharia in Washington at

Last Updated: May 26, 2005 18:54 EDT