More trouble for Obama nominee to be envoy to Iraq

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are pressing the White House to dump its nominee to be the next U.S. ambassador to Iraq, citing concerns about his abilities and judgment.

GOP members of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee have drafted a letter to President Barack Obama calling on him to withdraw Brett McGurk’s nomination. In the letter, they say McGurk “lacks the leadership and management experience” needed for the job. A copy of the letter was obtained by AP.

The senators say their concerns about McGurk’s qualifications were amplified by emails detailing what they called his “unprofessional conduct.” The emails indicate that McGurk had an intimate relationship with a Baghdad-based U.S. journalist while he was working at the embassy in 2008.

The administration has defended McGurk, saying he is “uniquely qualified” for the post.