LIVE THREAD: Estrada Filibuster 03/07/03

http://freerepublic.com ^ | March 7, 2003

[Howlin]

Link to C-Span

[legman]

Do you think that the Demoncrats have thought through the long-term impact of this new obstructionist strategy? The GOP will respond in kind if they are successful. Judicial appointments will be stalled for years to come. Tit for tat will become the order of the day.

It's just another indication that they care more about power than the Constitution. They will pay a huge price. They are urinating on the nations largest minority. This is not polling well among independents. It just needs higher profile. It will get there.

[SpinyNorman]

I have made the same request of Dodd and Kennedy. I an not holding my breath for an answer.

[Iwo Jima]

I too have been wondering if "consent" must necesarily be determined by a vote. If the current game plan does not meet with success (and I am still persuaded that it will in due course), then I think that President Bush should consider declaring that a written consent signed by 51+ senators is all the consent that he needs and let the Dems file a lawsuit to block Estrada from taking the bench. Or the administration and/or Estrada could file a suit for declaratory judgment to determine if the nomination has the necessary consent under the circumstances.

I would also like to see the Senate, after making a big public display of how broken the system is, amend the Senate rules to preclude a filibuster of judicial nominations or make other such changes that would prohibit the current stalemate. Then they could have an up-or-down vote on the nomination and seat Estrada. Let the Dems file suit or the Repubs seek a declaratory judgment.

I would not advise these steps if the nomination can be confirmed under any other circumstances.

[Hacksaw]

Bump for later read

[Iwo Jima]

I agree with your assessment that a 24/7 filibuster will be grueling on the Republicans and a cake-walk for the Dems. The only downside to the Dems from such a filibuster is the political damage with the Hispianic community and the public in general due to the heightened awareness that the publicity of such a filibuster might entail. If that publicity can be produced through multiple cloture votes, then that is in my view a better course of action than a 24/7 filibuster.

[hchutch]

I have to agree. There may be a place to go 24/7, but this is not it. Instead, let it occur when there will be MAXIMUM attention on this, and after we have the pieces in place to make this a massive, systemic shock to the Dems, and NOT until that point.

When we make that final move, it has to be done in such a manner that it will be unrecoverable. The coordination MUST be perfect - otherwise it will fail.

[Cordova Belle]

Fascinating concept. I'd love an answer to this great idea. (There is probably some miniscule legality that would prevent it, but it is certainly worth a try.

Just the publicity about it would be enough to thoroughly embarass the Democrats--as their obstructionism would be in the spotlight once more.

[Salvation]

Thanks for the ping!

[Iconoclast2]

My local paper (Oregonian) reports that Frist has agreed with a Daschle that a bunch of Ds can stand up and pee all over Bush on Iraq today, in lieu of 24/7. So just why is this a great R strategy???

[jdontom]

Thanks for the Ping.............

[JulieRNR21]

When I spoke to Graham's office on Wed afternoon; I was told that he was planning to vote on Thursday......&^$*# LIARS!

We need to keep calling his office & keep up the pressure!

[Cordova Belle]

Yeserday, votelife posted a terrific thread with VITAL information: every phone number, fax number, email address of every Senator who needs Freepin! Here it is!

ULTIMATE ESTRADA ACTIVIST THREAD!

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/847037/posts

Click this and you'll have everything you need!!

[votelife]

I was just going to post a link to that thread, thanks!

[Howlin]

Is anything happening with Estrada today??

[merry10]

I just called Feinsteins office (I believe Boxer has taken her LA phone off the hook). Feinstein's number is 310 914 7300. I asked the same questions as the freeper who posed questions to Evan Bayh. The young man who took my call said that they are getting a lot of complaint calls about the filibuster.

[spokeshave]

to all.....any news on Estrada debate.....?

[WOSG]

Hopeful thought: "It aint over until it's over".

It's only over if the GOP majority dies or quits on this!

The Estrada nomination is very much alive.

[WOSG]

The Demonrats know the GOP could do this ... but the Demonrats know they will be in the minority for the rest of the decade. Besides, we didnt filibuster before, so why start now? We play be different rules, the Demonrats will gleefulyl note.

[Wil H]

Obviously my spelling isn't impecable!

And it is certainly not impeccable....LOL

[Wil H]

Obviously my spelling isn't impecable!

And it is certainly not impeccable....LOL