The dems cannot recess. They can however not show up at which point the pubbies will have a vote to confirm. If the dems have someone, or a few, with an enormous bladder(s), they can have a real filibuster and the remaining dems can go on vacation--unless the constitutional option is invoked.
>> And yes, these dems could just recess anyway,
>> and not show up for votes.
> The dems cannot recess.
I meant to say "recess", not recess :-)
> They can however not show up at which point the
> pubbies will have a vote to confirm.
And perhaps a great deal more.
Renew Patriot for a year?
Tweak some Senate rules?
> If the dems have someone, or a few, with an enormous
> bladder(s), they can have a real filibuster and the
> remaining dems can go on vacation--unless the
> constitutional option is invoked.
My guess is that even if we get to the point where
filibusters are restricted, "heritage" filibusters,
where the member speaks until exhausted, would still
be permitted. I'm not sure I have a problem with that.
So far, this looks like a brilliant move by Frist.
I'd like to think he has the gambit all worked out,
including Plan B and Plan C.