While you're around, though, I'd like to take advantage of your expertise (and your patience). A number of people have suggested that Frist use the carrot-and-stick on recalcitrant senators. To what extent does he have the power to do this? Aren't the rules determined by party, so Dems and Reps have different rules? I know Republicans have term limits for committee chairman -- there was some discussion re Specter on Judiciary. Are chairmanships strictly by seniority (would be odd in the Reps -- makes the senate operate by union rules)?
Well, in short, what powers does Frist have that he can apply against Senators?
I'm in shape. "Round" is a shape, isn't it?
... what powers does Frist have that he can apply against Senators?
I don't know, for sure. I don't know how the party assigns Committe chair positions, except that seniority has a large part to play in that. But chairs are not set strictly by seniority - even though seniority is one of the more influential factors.
There is political pressure from constituents too. You know, "We the People?" The failure to handle nominations is a big deal, and the fight needs to occur.
I do wonder if a president has ever recess appointed a nominee who was REJECTED by the Senate. Talk about a poke in the eye!
Frist is in an extremely tough position. My question is, How does he "punish" RINOs when he will still desperately need their votes?