Man, Kerry and Kennedy are just the gifts that keep on giving (to the Republican Party!), aren't they?
I hope that they keep this up, it ought to be fun to watch. And they wonder why they keep losing elections....
Posted on 01/27/2006 8:36:21 AM PST by Warhammer
Remember that so-called “agreement” drafted by the Senate “moderates — the gang of 14 — which brokered a deal in which Republicans would not use the “nuclear option” to break a filibuster in exchange for Democrats agreeing not to filibuster qualified judicial nominees? It appears the Democrats have short-term memory lapse. Despite that fact that Judge Samuel Alito answered more questions than any recent Supreme Court nominee and has a stellar legal background, Democrats such as John Kerry and Ted Kennedy are using the F-Word: filibuster. The big question is how will Senate Republicans respond.
As is being reported in Kerry’s Call for Filibuster Praised and Panned, on Thursday, Sen. John Kerry (D-MA) called for a filibuster of Supreme Court nominee Judge Samuel Alito. Kerry, according to the LA Times, is being supported by Senate Democrats Barbara Boxer of California, Richard Durbin of Illinois, Debbie Stabenow of Michigan, and Paul Sarbanes of Maryland.
In a statement on his Senate web site, Kerry said that an Alito confirmation would be an “ideological coup on the Supreme Court.” Kerry added:
We can’t afford to see the Court’s swing vote, Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, replaced with a far-right ideologue like Samuel Alito.
Judge Alito will take America backward, especially when it comes to civil rights and discrimination laws. His record speaks for itself. Rather than live up to the promise of ‘equal justice under the law,’ Judge Alito has consistently made it harder for Americans to have their day in court. He routinely defers to the power of the government, no matter how extreme. And he doesn’t believe women have a right to privacy that’s protected by the Constitution.
However, support for a filibuster is not universally shared by all Senate Democrats. According to the Boston Globe, the Alito nomination “has turned into a nightmare for Democratic leaders, who have almost uniformly opposed Alito, but resisted taking the more radical — and hotly disputed — step of mounting a filibuster.”
Some Democrats have already said they plan to vote “yes” for Judge Alito. Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) is the latest to voice his support of Judge Alito. Byrd is joined by fellow Democrats Ben Nelson (NE) and Tim Johnson (SD).
“My considered judgment from his record, from his answers to my questions, and from his obvious intelligence and sincerity, leads me to believe him to be an honorable man who loves his country, loves his Constitution and will give of his best. Can we really ask for more?” Byrd said.
The Republican National Committee weighed in on Thursday, calling Kerry “out of touch.”
“To even suggest a filibuster against a nominee as qualified as Judge Alito reflects a philosophy so out of touch that it’s bordering on reckless. The judicial confirmation process, particularly one for the nation’s highest court, should be insulated from such thoughtless bomb throwing in an effort to remain relevant. One can’t help but wonder if the consummate candidate was for Judge Alito, before he was against him.” – Tracey Schmitt, RNC Press Secretary
Although support for a filibuster is shaky, the overt call for one by the likes of Kerry and Kennedy present a golden opportunity for Republicans to stand strong and united, not only in their support of Judge Alito, but in their determined opposition to any filibuster efforts. The Democrats have certainly shown themselves to be out of touch. If only we had a few more confirmation hearings before Election Day.
Man, Kerry and Kennedy are just the gifts that keep on giving (to the Republican Party!), aren't they?
I hope that they keep this up, it ought to be fun to watch. And they wonder why they keep losing elections....
Irrelevent. Democrats don't have enough votes for a filibuster. Kerry is just playing to his in an attempt to score points for the 2008 presidential primary.
oh boy.. that's one of my senators (stabhernow) supporting kerry. she's up for re-election this year, maybe people will see her for the idiot she is.
According to Kerry / Kennedy Not quailified is defined as "Does not follow the liberal democrat party ticket".
They have no chance. Six dems have said they will vote Yes on Alito or will not fillibuster. 45-6=39. Unless, say, Chafee and Snow defect, this ain't happening.
I was surprised to see Collins says she will vote to confirm. I would hope her colleague Snowe will follow suit.
6? I know Byrd, Johnson and Nelson said yes who are the other 3?
Fifth Anniversary Pot-Luck Fillet-Bluster.
This year's two-step ritual is dedicated to the memory of our ground-breaking performance during the 2001 Ashcroft Hearings
***Schedule for this year's fillet-bluster***
Shredding of Samuel Alito's reputation begins promptly at Midnight
Long-winded excuses for the barbarity follow thereafter
Stretch Limos available to bring your supporters from NOW, NARAL and the ACLU
Coupons available at the door for Senator Schumer's new book How to write your own US. Consitution
Wafflers and "Johnny-come-Lately"s welcome.
Respond at your own convenience to Ted Kennedy, who can be contacted in the bar
Please note: Participants must bring their own machetes and black kettles.
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