Posted on 02/13/2005 11:47:49 PM PST by JohnHuang2
I agree. Gotta record them as being what they are. Make it an issue per each qualified nominee they refuse to vote on. Let it rachet up. Then, in sorrow and weariness, put a stop to it. Rational people will get it...the Repubs had no choice because the Dems were out-of-control obstructionists. Then point out these are the same Dems who want to obstruct Social Security reform. Hehehe...
According to Senate Rule XXII, Frist needs the vote of "two-thirds of the Senators present and voting..." Unless the Rule means something other than what it clearly and unequivically states, Frist is going to need a lot more than 51 votes to change the rule, perhaps as many as 67.
This is a game of chicken. The Dems may be contemplating the 18 in their caucus who voted FOR the Class action bill..
Reid Has Promised To “Screw Things Up” For Senate Republicans. “If they, for whatever reason, decide to do this [change Senate rules on filibusters], it’s not only wrong, they will rue the day they did it, because we will do whatever we can do to strike back … I know procedures around here. And I know that there will still be Senate business conducted. But I will, for lack of a better word, screw things up.” (Helen Dewar and Mike Allen, “GOP May Target Use Of Filibuster,” The Washington Post, 12/13/04)
In 2003, Reid Held Up Dozens Of President Bush’s Nominations Until Former Aide Was Appointed To NRC. “Sen. Harry Reid and the Bush administration have made a deal clearing the way for dozens of Bush nominees to take office in exchange for a Reid aide being nominated to the Nuclear Regulatory Commission … Reid announced last month that he would hold up Bush executive branch nominees until Bush picked [Gregory] Jaczko, 32, for an NRC vacancy.” (“Reid Drops Hold On Leavitt Nomination In Deal Involving Aide,” The Associated Press, 10/8/03)
But In 2001, Reid Said: “[I] Think We Should Have Up-Or-Down Votes In The Committee And On The Floor [On Nominees].” (CNN’s “Evans, Novak, Hunt & Shields,” 6/9/01)
If the Republicans cave on this then that's the surest way they will find themselves in the minority again in the near future.
Play to win, not to "not lose".
Yeah, sure, I bet those Senate Dems are just worried sick. LOL.
Senate Republicans = spineless.
Well I for one think this is fabulous news. I was concerned they had at maxium 50 votes with Cheney as tie. Even then I wasn't entirely certain if some would go soft. Evidently Frist managed to get them in line and should be congratulated for it. They weren't all in line a little over a month ago.
Well done Frist!
It is just as wrong for Republicans to filibuster to prevent an up-or-down vote on a DemonRat nominee. It should not be allowed, period. If they want to stop nominees, they better do what's necessary to maintain a majority.
Senate Rs growing a spine?...wait and see.
The Republicans never did it before, nor would they as minority. Nor should we operate in the Senate considering our future minority status. Our thinking should be how to we best serve the people and our Constitution to remain in power.
It is unconstitutional to do what the Dems are doing, and I wouldn't support it with a Dem President.
Great post. Thanks.
I understand. But that concern implies that the urgency of the issue is now elevated. And we don’t know what the conditions would have to be to get the 51 votes.
Who knows.
What I do know is that Frist was not talking as though he had the 51 votes earlier. The other Republicans were not talking as though they were onboard. Im not refering to the usual Reps always on the Dem aisle, either, but people we need to be on board to do this. Nor has he ever stipulated he had "51 votes", only suggested they would pursue this option if necessary.
We'll find out how strong this colaition is, we'll find out if Reps are willing to do it. My congratulations is merited on the fact Frist apparently finally got 51 on board. I'm not sure how he did it or what was promised, but we have 51 now or he wouldn't have said it.
The Dems power is orchestrated around two beliefs. One, Reps didn't have a majority of votes to break the filibuster. Two, Reps wouldn't have the courage to do it. Aopparently we crossed the first belief so that should give them some concern. Only time will tell about the second.
I don't think the repubs would or should use the cloture rule to obstruct judges for political reasons, like the dems are doing now. (ie...Miguel Estrada, Priscilla Owens)
But if they do really need to continue debate that option would be gone.
The dems are not continuing the debate, they are obstructing.
I think we all saw the dems true faces back in Nov. '03 when they had the 39 hrs. of Debate on judges. Repubs stuck to the issue at hand, dems talked about anything but judges...........Searchlight NV anyone.
It is definitely the honorable thing to do, but I don't think it is the right thing to do.
Once or twice in a century a party gets a chance to make big changes in government. FDR and LBJ come to mind.
The conservatives will have the opportunity for the next year to make major changes in our judiciary our institutions and our laws. After that time it will go back to stalemate with only minor changes possible.
I say fix the things that need fixing, now.
They never talk about all the time they waste on pointless primping and posturing. Just friggin' do it already.
That will have them quaking in their boots.
Agreed. The same is true of our base.
I'll trust Frist and the President on this one.
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