John Bolton talks to press during Security Council consultations, Wednesday

Democrats at a U.S. Senate committee hearing say they remain opposed to the renomination of John Bolton as U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

Republicans argued for Bolton's confirmation at the hearing Thursday, while his opponents said he is not effective in his post.

Democratic Senator Christopher Dodd said he is concerned about declining support for the United States from traditional U.N. allies.  He was joined by Democratic Senator Russ Feingold who said Bolton has failed to build a consensus in the U.N. on several important issues.

Mr. Bush appointed Bolton on an interim basis last year during a congressional recess, after Democrats and a key Republican, George Voinovich of Ohio, blocked a vote on the nomination.

Voinovich now says Bolton has shown an ability to form a consensus with other nations, and has pledged to vote for his confirmation. 

Several foreign envoys say Bolton has derailed efforts to reform the U.N.'s management structure, alienating many traditional U.S. allies in the process.  But many conservatives express support for Bolton's blunt style and criticism of U.N. bureaucracy.

Some information for this report was provided by AP.