“Sen. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) has lifted his controversial holds on more than 70 executive branch nominations, the senator’s office confirmed Monday night. With the announced release, the administration’s nominees no longer will face a politically difficult 60-vote threshold in order to be considered on the Senate floor. Shelby — who called for a near-blanket hold on the White House’s nominees late last week — had been frustrated by the lack in movement on Alabama-based projects he deemed necessary to national security. A spokesman for the senator said Monday that with attention brought to these two concerns, the political maneuver had ‘accomplished’ its goal and was no longer necessary.” (02/08/10)