The DU folks don't seem to realise that the three michigan judges are almost certainly part of the deal. They are not listed because they have been part of the deal offered by Reid so our side didn't need them listed. They were never being ideologically held -- they were simply on hold trying to force Bush to pull Saad. Since Saad is toast, the three:
Susan Neilson, Richard Griffin and David McKeague -- are back on.
That's 5 of 7, plus the 8th one Reid already said could get an immediate vote if they brought him up. That's why they aren't in the deal -- Reid previously asked for these 3 to be brought up first so the Dems could vote for them and look less like obstructionists.
You know what is actually the thing that is pushing me to believe we won (presuming there are votes to confirm the three)? The inclusion of Pryor. It is rare for a nominee who accepts a recess appointment to later get confirmed, because it is like being a scab in a union shop. Stick your finger in the eye of the Senate's advice and consent role, and the Senate as a whole usually clips you.
But now Pryor is getting a vote. And if he is confirmed, that will be a good thing, and somethign a little surprising.
Frankly, I thought the two sacrificial lambs were going to be Saad and Pryor. We might end up with 4 out of 5, maybe Myers will get through.
I am interested in seeing what the deal is on Myer. Reid (who was NOT part of the deal) said Myer will be filibustered. Graham (part of the deal) says Myer will get a vote. Either Graham was deceived by the moderate democrats, or Reid didn't get their message yet.