[sdk7x7]

hmmm, interesting analysis

[Iowa Granny]

I doubt they have the votes within the Senate Republican Caucus to go nuclear. I suspect this filibuster was for the benefit of the moderate Pubbies, trying to fire them up and get them to change their votes. I doubt it will do any good. The Senate is a club of 'Nicey Nice' folks who don't know how to fight with knives.

[Bonaparte]

They should have "gone nuclear" last year. They have no choice, even if Republican turncoats defeat the vote. At the rate things are going, there will be no federal bench at all.

[TheRedSoxWinThePennant]

GOP considers "nuke option

I will believe it when I see it. The only thing I have seen the GOP do in the senate this year is lay down and let the likes of schumer, clinton and daschle walk all over them.

[Hostage]

worried that changing the rules would make it easier someday for a President Hillary Clinton to get her judicial nominees through the Senate.

A President Hillary with a majority in the Senate would go nuclear right after swearing in. As a matter of high likelihood, a President Hillary with a senate majority would not wait for a swearing in to go nuclear, rather the order would be issued on election night.

[Salvation]

**Under this scenario, a Republican senator would make a point of order that it is unconstitutional to require more than 51 votes to confirm a presidential nominee and request a ruling from the chair. If the chair, as planned, rules that the point of order is correct, a simple majority of the full Senate—which the Republicans have—could uphold his ruling, effectively changing Senate rules to force simple up-or-down majority votes on nominations. Filibusters would be eliminated for presidential nominations, period.**

Is it such a risk if the Republicans can maintain control of the Senate? Which I believe they will -- picking up anywhere from 2 to 4 seats this year! Who knows they might even get the 60 votes!