If the cloture motion passes for Owen, then the DEMs can obstruct another nominee, of their choosing, as some future time.
Frist will win.
But we don't know WHAT he will win, just yet. Does he win a vote on just Owen? Or does he reverse the abuse of the Constitution that the DEMs have perpetrated by blocking nominees with a minority of Senators? He can't start getting to the bigger prize if the cloture motion passes.
"He can't start getting to the bigger prize if the cloture motion passes."
Unfortunately, I think you are laying out the roadmap for Dem victory. By the rules of engagement (ROE) Frist has defined, he is not "allowed" to call for a rules change vote until the Dems block cloture. Hence, the Dems can repeat the current drama as many times as they want to, until the Repub coaliton hits a weak spot.
In other words, Frist has given tne Dems the choice of when the critical battle will take place. This ensures they will win. Or am I missing something?