[Miss Marple]

Where we stand right now:

The Republicans filed a formal notice that they would ask for a cloture vote today. Cloture ends debate after an additional 30 hours and will bring Estrada's name to the floor for an up or dowon vote. The Republicans have enough votes to pass Estrada, if they can get his name to the floor. However, to shut off the debate you must have 60 votes. Some democrats have said that while they will not vote for Estrada, they WILL vote to end debate. At last public count, we had 57 or 58 to end debate. This vote will tell us if we were able to shave enough off on the first go around. Frist has said he will use repeated cloture votes if necessary.

I hope this helps!

[Cordova Belle]

MANY THANKS!
I know all about the 60-votes to cloture, etc.
Have been emailing friends/family nationwide for a week now, asking them to press their Democrat senators hard.

But I guess what I'm REALLY asking is:
Will our leadership press this thing through till final voctory, or will it just "go away..." after about 3 unsuccessful cloture votes (if, God forbid, that should happen.)

My bottom line: I want them to press this thing forward until complete VICTORY or until Jesus returns, whichever comes first.

In your very respectful and educated opinion, do they have the fortitude to do that?

[mr.pink]

I appreciate your calm analysis/take on this subject very much.

I'm guessing if it does get to a floor vote, most Dems with any significant hispanic voting block will vote to confirm.