U.N. Nominee Faces New Bullying Allegations

"His behavior back in 1994 wasn't just unforgivable, it was pathological," wrote Melody Townsel, a businesswoman from Dallas, in a letter to the committee that was made public Saturday by Democrats who opposed Bolton's appointment. "I cannot believe that this man is being seriously considered for any diplomatic position, let alone such a critical posting to the U.N."

Hers is the latest account alleging that Bolton -- who faces a key committee vote Tuesday in his nomination to be United Nations ambassador -- has been rude and belligerent toward those less powerful than himself, including three intelligence analysts whose views clashed with his.

Also disclosed Saturday was the summary of a committee staff interview with a former national intelligence officer for Latin America. He said that in 2003, Bolton and another State Department official attempted to pressure him to tailor his judgment on Cuba's biological weapons program, and that they attacked his integrity and attempted to have him transferred when he would not do so.

Both documents were released by Sen. Joseph R. Biden Jr. of Delaware, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Bolton could not be reached directly for comment, and protocol dictates that nominees not comment publicly while the confirmation process is underway.

State Department spokeswoman Nancy Beck had no immediate comment on the latest allegations. Another State Department official, who declined to be named, said the administration had checked into the allegations by Townsel and believed they were unfounded.

"This stuff just didn't happen, as far as we know," the official said. He did say that Bolton, a private attorney at the time, had been in Moscow, where Townsel said the incident occurred, and that Bolton was representing the interest of his clients in the deal.

The Senate committee of 10 Republicans and eight Democrats is scheduled to vote Tuesday on the Bolton nomination. But two Republicans on the panel, Sens. Chuck Hagel of Nebraska and Lincoln Chafee of Rhode Island, have voiced concerns about Bolton's character and personal behavior.