The Senate on Wednesday narrowly confirmed Kansas Gov. Sam Brownback (R) to be the ambassador at large for international religious freedom. Brownback, a former senator, faced overwhelming opposition from liberals due in part to his controversial tenure in Kansas. Vice President Mike Pence had to break the 49-49 tie, with all Democrats opposing Brownback’s nomination. Sens. John McCain (R-AZ) and Bob Corker (R-TN) were not present for the vote. Wednesday’s vote was Pence’s eighth tiebreaker within the span of only a year, while former Vice President Joe Biden never had to break a tie during his eight-year tenure.
