Dan Rooney: Ambassador or not?

President Obama lavished praise Thursday on Dan Rooney, owner of the Super Bowl Champion Pittsburgh Steelers, during a South Lawn celebration of their stellar season -- but there's still no movement on Rooney becoming ambassador to Ireland.

"I don't know anybody who is more of a gentleman, who is more loyal, who is more committed to excellence, than Mr. Rooney," Obama said. "And he and his family have just been such an extraordinary pillar for the city of Pittsburgh."
The White House has yet to send Rooney's nomination to the Senate for confirmation.
White House officials said there are no developments to discuss and would not suggest or speculate when the nomination would be forwarded to the Senate. Officials also said nothing should be read into to this apparent ambassadorial limbo.
Rooney, 76, was here with the Steelers to commemorate their Super Bowl victory over the Arizona Cardinals in what Obama called a special game. "I can't remember a more exciting Super Bowl," Obama said.
Obama announced his intention to nominate Rooney on St. Patrick's Day. In a statement, Obama called Rooney "an unwavering supporter of Irish peace, culture, and education. He predicted Rooney and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton "will ensure America's continued close and unique partnership with Ireland in the years ahead that read in part."
Rooney appeared with Obama at the White House as part of the St. Patrick's Day celebration.
Rooney endorsed Obama in the Democratic primary in Pennsylvania that Clinton handily won. The Steelers owner campaigned with Obama on Oct. 27, 2008, in Pittsburgh, a gesture that captured headlines and votes in John McCain's stronghold of western Pennsylvania. Obama carried Pennsylvania 53 perent to 46 percent.