[bayourod]

"Democrats say both nominees are exempt from the "exceptional circumstances" clause in the bipartisan agreement."

I don't recall them even being mentioned in the written agreement. There are obviously some oral parts of the agreement that are being kept secret from us.

For one thing, Lindsey Graham stated unequivocally several times on the Hannity radio program that ALL nominees, including Saad would get up or down votes, but he always qualified that by saying that not all of them would get confirmed and that he would vote against at least one of them.

There would have to be an oral agreement that five or six of the Republican renegades would vote against Saad and the others when they came up for an up or down vote. But if the agreement has already fallen apart, then the Dems may fall back on some theory that since Saad et al were not specifically mentioned, that they are specifically excluded. Just enough for the Old Media to hang its hat on.

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

"Exceptional circumstances" were a part of "the deal" however stipulated. How they were defined is meaningless today.

Now that Bolton has been filibustered, nominees will be sent for a floor vote. Access was previously granted to currently requested files, the denial is obviously partisan. I have inquired as to a recess appointment and was told it was likely. If it does not occur, I am lost. Realize Bolton's term would end at 2008 if not reappointed.