[xzins]

There are 2 important issues if Specter gets the chair of the judiciary committee.

1. The Senate is now 55-45 in favor of the Republicans. Before, it was 51-48-1. For that difference the Judiciary Committee was 10 Republicans to 9 Democrats. The count should now be a minimum of 11 Republicans to 8 Democrats. That makes Specter's vote insignificant.

In that the DIFFERENCE in Senate seats (55-45) has gone from 3 seats up to 10 seats (300% increase), I could make a very strong case for 12 Republicans to 7 Democrats...which it should be. That is hardball politics. In such a case, the vote of Specter becomes inconsequential.

2. The other issue is the rules changes requiring only a majority vote only to approve a judicial nominee. Specter becomes insignificant in that regard as well. Once he supports that measure, then his impact is minimalized because of #1 above.

[Hendrix]

If I had to choose between Spector and changing the filibuster rule for nominees, I would rather get the filibuster rule changed. That rule is the main way democrats can stop Bush. They will use it even under the threat that they may get thrown out in the next election (lose even more seats in the red states).

[Delphinium]

Of the 55 Republicans how many are really Rinos?

If Specter is rejected like I hope he is,would those liberal pro-abortion GOP senators rebel enough to cause significant trouble?