[JeffAtlanta]

Yes, Specter can bottle up this nomination by himself in committee with a 9-to-9 vote.

No he can't - supreme court nominations cannot be bottled in committee. At worst, the nomination would go to the floor with a negative recommendation from the committee.

[demlosers]

Good to here. Thanks for refreshing my memory ...I'm starting to remember hearing the negative recommendation to the Senate floor. :)