This has nothing to do with anything.
Every Democratic senator knows that the media can't elect Demorats. They failed to do so in 2000, 2002 and 2004. Every Democratic Senator knows that Bush can defeat Democratic Senators. He did so in 2000,2002 and 2004. He can do so in 2006. That has put the fear of God in Democrats up for reelection in 2006.
At least 4 of the Democratic Senators up for reelection in strong Red states in 2006 will have a choice. Vote for cloture when Reid tries to filibuster or face strong Bush opposition in 2006. The price is pretty simple. Vote for cloture when Reid tries to fillibuste and be assured that Bush will remain neutral in their reelection attempt. Their other choice is to vote with the Democrats filibuster and face a high chance of being defeated in 2006.
Faced with that choice the Democratic incumbents will tell Reid they can't afford to oppose President Bush's nominees. They will vote for Cloture and then vote for the nominee. That is, they will vote for the Bush nominee before they vote against him.
That leaves Bush needing to get just one more vote out of the remaining 41 Democratic Senators. Those up for election in 2008 or 2010 will not want opposition in their next attempt. Bush will be able to bribe at least one more DINO. There is no way Reid can prevent that from happening.
With 55 senators the Repubicans have enough clout to hurt Democrats serving in the Senate.
Reid may threaten fillibuster, but he will not be able to make it stick. Bush needs just 5 Democrats to win. The Republicans now have the power to cause some DINOs to tell Reid to shove it.
This is not a 51 to 48 and one independent member senate. It is a new ball game and the Democrats are at a severe disadvantage. They know it the media knows it.. they just don't want you to know it.
I was looking at the Senate voting record on Miguel Estrada and the Nelson twins both voted to invoke cloture at least once and most likely multiple times.
Doesn't this take away our best attack against the top 2 targets of 2006?
I don't suppose you have a list of Red state Dems up for election in 2006, by any chance?