I had wondered if that whole Gang of 14 agreement was a factor. Those senators, of both parties, said filibusters would only happen in “extraordinary circumstances”.
I hope the filibuster holds. It will send a strong message to Obama about his liberal radical judicial nominees.
If there are any more Supreme Court vacancies during Obama’s term, that could be a big battle. There was no major opposition to Sotomayor or Kagan, but yet another radical liberal appointee to the Supreme Court could spark a big battle.
I think many see it different too when you are just replacing a lib with a lib vs. the chance to remake the court.
I think even the moderate GOPers will support a filibuster if a conservative were to leave the court during Obama’s tenure.