[southernnorthcarolina]

Several FReepers have asked whether Senator Ensign could vote by proxy on the cloture motion. As I understand Senate rules, the answer is NO.

There is the old Senatorial courtesy known as the pairing of votes. It is possible that vote pairing could come into play on the actual vote to confirm Judge Alito, should Senator Ensign be unable to get to the Senate floor. Senator Ensign, an Alito supporter, could contact an Alito opponent with whom he (Ensign) is on good terms. That Senator would abstain, and have his vote listed as "Paired Against," while Ensign would be listed as "Paired For."

This doesn't work, however, on a cloture vote. Sixty votes (not just 60% of those attending) are needed to shut off debate. So an abstention is functionally the same as a vote against shutting off debate. Therefore, there's nothing to "pair."

[Cyber Liberty]

The 'Craps have already demonstrated the pairing-off deals are over.

They forced Strom Thurmond to sit in the chamber for an 11 PM vote because nobody would pair-off with him.

[ken5050]

Fascinating info..that's what I love about FR..learn something every day..I'd never heard of that before...Just wondering...do you have any examples of the last time, and/or the most important votes, "paring" was used...thanks again..

[ken5050]

FYI..see # 1808

[livius]

Thank you for that explanation (vote pairing)