Key GOP senator drops hold on top Obama diplomatic nominee

WASHINGTON (AP) — A key Republican senator has cleared the way for one of President Barack Obama's top diplomatic nominees to be confirmed. Sen. Chuck Grassley's spokeswoman says the Judiciary Committee chairman released his hold on Tom Shannon's nomination to the State Department's third-highest position.

WASHINGTON (AP) — A key Republican senator has cleared the way for one of President Barack Obama's top diplomatic nominees to be confirmed. Sen. Chuck Grassley's spokeswoman says the Judiciary Committee chairman released his hold on Tom Shannon's nomination to the State Department's third-highest position.…