I certainly am calling. FWIW.
Could also be that GWB has given “free passes” to your GA senators so they can vote against cloture. GWB may already have the 60 or 61 votes he needs without them. That may also explain Hutchison’s decision to vote against cloture.
Interesting that you should say that. Back in the days of the Bolton fiasco, I badmouthed Bush for not exerting any behind the scenes influence on Republican Senators. Some FReeper, I forget who, tried to sell the idea that Bush couldn't influence the Pubbie Senators, that he didn't have the juice. I said BS, he just doesn't want to.
Well, for a guy that was incapable of fighting for his nominee to the UN, an excellent man BTW, Bush is certainly finding the wherewithal to twist arms and pressure Senators now.
Being a simple and linear thinking member of the great unwashed as I am, I see the explanation as simple: Bush cares a lot more for illegals than he did Bolton. He also cares a lot more for illegal mexicans than he does US citizens.
This is a done deal in the Senate, always has been. No predictions regarding the House.
Politicians can't stand up against 14% Congressional ratings, 69% of the whole country wanting enforcement without amnesty, 19 to 1 call ratios against the bill, and siding with one of the most unpopular Presidents in history. Don't think you are right on this, that it is a "done deal." Think it dies if we keep making the pressure against it GROW.