[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).

[xzins]

I agree with you. The filibuster rules change is THE issue.

With Specter's impact rendered insignificant in the new Senate by virtue of the new number of seats gained by the Republicans, then the chairman's seat is unimportant. It was a good strategy, though, to highlight the real issue.

We must fight for the rules change in emails to Frist & our senators.

We must also fight for the most friendly division of seats on ALL COMMITTEES, not just the Judiciary. If the difference before was one seat, then the difference now should be Plus 3X that amount. 51-48 = 3 Seat Difference. 55-45 = 10 Seat Difference. That is a HUGE 333% Difference. A Former 1 Seat difference should now be a 4 seat difference. We get the former seat by virtue of the fraction that belongs to the victor; i.e., 1+3.