Senate Revolt Leaves Polk Administration Without a Cabinet

Seven months after taking office, President James W. L. C. Polk’s administration is facing a major governing crisis as all fifteen Cabinet nominees appear headed for defeat in the Democratic-controlled Senate. Nominees for State, Treasury, Defense, Justice, and every other Cabinet department are trailing by roughly 58–59 votes against to just 36–37 in favor. If the results hold, Polk may be left without a single confirmed Cabinet secretary. Republicans accuse Senate Democrats of obstruction, while Democrats argue the nominees are unfit for office. The standoff leaves every Cabinet department without confirmed leadership and threatens to cripple the Republican administration as it tries to govern under divided government.