Here's the Deal (Senate GOP "Deal ensures votes on seven of eight nominations")

american spectator ^ | 5/24/2005 | The Prowler

[watsonfellow]

Here's the Deal

By The Prowler

Published 5/24/2005 12:09:38 AM

"There is no way this agreement that breaks Democratic obstruction can be spun any way other than as a victory for Republicans and the Bush Administration," said a Republican Senate leadership aide late Monday night, regarding the agreement reached by 14 senators to avert a showdown vote on the so-called nuclear option that would have ended Democratic filibustering of Bush judicial nominees.

The parameters of the deal insure that six of eight obstructed Bush nominees to the federal judiciary will receive an up or down confirmation vote in the Senate. The three most opposed Bush nominees to the court, Priscilla Owen, Janice Rogers Brown and William Pryor, will not have their nominations blocked any longer; also, three other Bush nominees will eventually receive an up or down confirmation vote as well; the only two nominees who still may be filibustered are Michigan judge Henry Saad and William Myers.

Also as part of the compromise, the Democrat moderates promise to prevent any future filibuster of Bush appeals court and Supreme Court nominees. While Democrats were able to have their "exceptional circumstances" clause inserted in the deal, no one anticipates that such a situation will arise, assuming Democrats keep their promise. And it appears, that a number of promises were being tossed around the negotiation room on Monday afternoon.

Several Republican senators involved in negotiations swore that not only will the six Bush nominees be given an up or down vote, but that Democrats in the room were aware that Republicans involved in the negotiations had agreed to vote cloture on Myers as well, and that Democratic negotiators had agreed that such a move could take place, thus also allowing Myers an up or down vote in the Senate. "Assuming that our guys hold themselves to that promise," says another Republican staffer working on the Judiciary committee, "then we're looking at a clean sweep for confirmations."

That said, Republican Judiciary Committee staffers said it would have been difficult to clear Saad for confirmation, regardless of the Democrats' unethical behavior in his case. Democratic Judiciary Committee staff and Senate Democratic leadership coordinated an attack against Saad by providing and then sending Sen. Harry Reid a memo detailing uncorroborated raw interview notes from Saad's confidential FBI background check.

"Saad has served on the bench in Michigan, he has been a public figure for years, he has had close associations with several Senate and House members from the state of Michigan," says a Washington lobbyist who has met with Saad on occasion. "This is an honorable man whose nomination was badly damaged by Democrats. Any future nominee should be aware of what the Democrats will do to destroy a good conservative."

If there are any potential losers in this deal, it is the moderate Republicans who have put their reputations on the line with not only their Republican colleagues, but also conservative voters. "If Myers doesn't get a vote, if a reasonable Supreme Court nominee does not receive a vote, or has his or her nomination blocked, then those moderate Republicans should be held accountable by not only the caucus but their constituents," said the Republican Judiciary staffer.

HOW TRUE TO THEIR word Democrats will be may become apparent in about a month, when Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist is expected to announce his retirement. Already in Washington rumors are swirling that current Attorney General Alberto Gonzales may be under serious consideration for the empty slot left vacant after one of the sitting justices is elevated to fill Rehnquist's role.. "You look at what he hasn't done in his few months at Justice," says a former White House staffer, "and it makes you think he's really been looking ahead and trying to keep as clear from controversy as he can."

Gonzales has managed to sidestep taking a position on the Terri Schiavo legal battle, and beyond stating his basic support for the eight judicial nominees in limbo, he has avoided being embroiled in this current debate. As well, he has made very few public appearances where anything remotely controversial could have been uttered.

"Everything points to a Gonzales nomination," says a lobbyist aware of the White House thinking on prospective judicial nominees.

One school of thought related to the threat of a constitutional "nuclear" option was that it would ensure the Bush White House an easier time in putting forward a solid conservative as the president's first nomination to the Supreme Court. But Gonzales would be unacceptable to just about every conservative group in Washington and beyond.

"I don't know of any conservative who worked to reelect this president who would be satisfied with a Gonzales nomination," says a Senate Judiciary staffer. "This president was reelected because conservatives want to see a conservative on the Court. If the president has a second opportunity, then perhaps there is room for Gonzales. But only after the president fulfills his promise to voters."

[Conservative Firster]

This sounds bad

HOW TRUE TO THEIR word Democrats will be may become apparent in about a month, when Supreme Court Chief Justice William Rehnquist is expected to announce his retirement. Already in Washington rumors are swirling that current Attorney General Alberto Gonzales may be under serious consideration for the empty slot left vacant after one of the sitting justices is elevated to fill Rehnquist's role.. "You look at what he hasn't done in his few months at Justice," says a former White House staffer, "and it makes you think he's really been looking ahead and trying to keep as clear from controversy as he can."

Gonzales has managed to sidestep taking a position on the Terri Schiavo legal battle, and beyond stating his basic support for the eight judicial nominees in limbo, he has avoided being embroiled in this current debate. As well, he has made very few public appearances where anything remotely controversial could have been uttered.

"Everything points to a Gonzales nomination," says a lobbyist aware of the White House thinking on prospective judicial nominees.

One school of thought related to the threat of a constitutional "nuclear" option was that it would ensure the Bush White House an easier time in putting forward a solid conservative as the president's first nomination to the Supreme Court. But Gonzales would be unacceptable to just about every conservative group in Washington and beyond.

"I don't know of any conservative who worked to reelect this president who would be satisfied with a Gonzales nomination," says a Senate Judiciary staffer. "This president was reelected because conservatives want to see a conservative on the Court. If the president has a second opportunity, then perhaps there is room for Gonzales. But only after the president fulfills his promise to voters."

Gonzales=Souter

[KellyAdmirer]

That's a good post. This agreement is only a way-station on the journey. It only lasts for this Congress in any event. The liberals are terrified of giving away control, this helps ease the process. As they get used to the idea of conservatives actually running things as the voters want, there won't be the need for these temporary deals in the future.

It's not what I wanted, in particular, either. I wanted a showdown and the liberals' butts kicked big time. But politics in the Senate is a process, and this is a good step in the right direction imho.

[COEXERJ145]

You're using too much logic for most on Free Republic to understand. You should be more emotional and irrational.

[therut]

I DO NOT WANT GONZALES>NNNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO> he is anti-gun and not firm on being aganist abortion. NNNOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO. GWB must not make the mistake of his father.

[SugarLandTexas]

Ah, what a beautiful situation. The seven Dim Senators get to be heroes to their idiot party for suckering...uh... brokering a deal when NO DEAL WAS WARRANTED. And our Republ... I'm sorry... I almost called these 7 idiots Republicans, throw the Republican majority under the bus.

ALL SEVEN OF THESE COWARDLY TRAITOR IDIOTS MUST BE REMOVED FROM OFFICE!

[Wolverine]

Lindsey Graham: "Democrat by night"

Well, according to a former Daschle aide, Graham was quick to work with Daschle and the minority on a number of issues. After one such meeting, Graham emerged from Daschle's office, walked to the door, turned around, and proclaimed loudly for the Daschle's entire staff to hear:

"Republican by day, Democrat by night."

 

                                                  Senator Lindsey Graham

Web Form: dewine.senate.gov
2008.... Graham... SC... (202) 224-5972
Graham, Lindsey- (R - SC) Class II 290 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510

[konaice]

While Democrats were able to have their "exceptional circumstances" clause inserted in the deal, no one anticipates that such a situation will arise, assuming Democrats keep their promise.

Fools!

[PAR35]

All the other reports I have seen say that only 3, not 6 are guaranteed an up or down vote. I have to question the accuracy of this report.

[SteveMcKing]

Like the many black democrats who think Jesse Jackson and the party will SOMEDAY come through for them, if they just keep voting....

Republicans don't think that way. Our leaders will pay for this in both money and votes.

I'll screw them for spite. That's no BS.

[COEXERJ145]

I'll screw them for spite. That's no BS.

Oh that will show them. Talk about being childish.

MOMMY! I'm going to hold my breath until I die!

[dmanLA]

God told us not to put faith in men (not even in princes) because you'll be let down everytime. I don't remember the exact quote.

How true it is...

[delchiante]

When I see Chuckie Schumer smiling, It's never a good sign for Republicans.....

[alnick]

It may sound bad but it's nothing more than the speculation of an anonymous source.

[PAR35]

Before we start worrying about winning some Dem seats, we need to concentrate on winning about 8 or 9 'Republican' seats.

[Big Guy and Rusty 99]

This was one of those days where I just wanted to say home, watch foxnews, listen to limbaugh, and read freerepublic. I really must talk to boss about getting me internet access. I say we won. We got 7 of 8 nominees an up or down vote, future nominees will get the same, and nuclear option is still. I can't see how anyone on either side can say we loss.

[Treader]

You bet, and dog logs are a tasty treat.

[funkywbr]

Tihs is what the Reps will get from me.

N(ot)A(nother) D(IME).

Dear GOP, go FUCH yourselves.

[Shortstop7]

Well, I'm not sending them another dime.

I hope, as someone else posted, that this will all turn out well.

I will never vote for John McCain for anything.

Zell Miller? YES!

[ModelBreaker]

"Everything points to a Gonzales nomination," says a lobbyist aware of the White House thinking on prospective judicial nominees.

If Gonzalez is nominated, the dems will breathe a sigh of relief and confirm him quickly. He will be part of the center, maybe center-left coalition on the Court. Since he would replace Rehnquist, a conservative, he will represent a lurch to the left on the Court. This conservative hasn't fought for years for a Republican Senate and President just to move the Court to the left.

[GunRunner]

"Everything points to a Gonzales nomination," says a lobbyist aware of the White House thinking on prospective judicial nominees.

Oh, no. Please, please no.