Washington: Acting with extraordinary speed, the White House has sent the nomination of David Mulford to the United States Senate for confirmation as Ambassador to India and said it was looking forward to a "quick" and positive response from the house.

US President George W Bush on Thursday (November 13) named Credit Suisse international chairman Mulford to replace Robert Blackwill, who vacated the post in July. The nomination has to be approved by the Senate.

The White House has sent the nomination of Mulford to the Senate with extraordinary speed. Normally there is a gap of several days between President's announcement of "intention to nominate" and the nomination being sent to the Senate as scrutiny of the nomination by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and other agencies takes several days.

Asked why it took so long to name Mulford, White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan said "we move as quickly as we can, but it's important that we find the best individual for the job."

"He replaces, or will replace, a very highly qualified individual who did an outstanding job. And so we look forward to the Senate moving quickly to confirm him, as well," McClellan said.

To a question whether Blackwill had recommended Mulford's candidature, McClellan said "we certainly always take advice from those who have expertise in that area. And the President was pleased to put forward the new Ambassador, and looks forward to him starting in his position."

PTI