WASHINGTON – Senate Republicans sent the clearest message yet to President Barack Obama that he would have a second-term confirmation fight if he nominates U.N. Ambassador Susan Rice to replace Hillary Rodham Clinton as secretary of State.

"We will do whatever is necessary to block the nomination that's within our power as far as Susan Rice is concerned," Sen. John McCain, the top GOP senator on the Armed Services Committee, told reporters at a Capitol Hill news conference.

Said Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.: "I don't trust her."