[Dane]

I'm sorry, but as much as I hate to say it, I blame President Bush. He had the power to make a recess appointment here, and he didn't do it

Maybe Estrada didn't want a recess appointment. It is only good till Jan. 2005.

What Estrada probably wanted was an up and down vote which the petulant demos refused to have.

[MamaLucci]

an up and down vote which the petulant demos refused to have.

...and the Republican Senators refused to miss their tee times to fight for.
Absolutely shameful, and one of the main reasons
I no longer donate to the RNC.

[rintense]

A year and few months is better than nothing at all. Estrada could have then used the time to prove he is worthy. Plus, in 2005, the Senate *could* have a larger GOP majority, in which case, he would be confirmed.

[ohioWfan]

Maybe neither Estrada nor President Bush wanted the appointment to be temporary.

I tend to think, based on the history of this President, that he has either decided not to die on this hill, or more likely, has something up his sleeve and will use this to further humiliate his opponents.

I tend to agree that this is a Pyrrhic victory for the RATS. In the long run.....especially with an election year coming......this is going to make the them look very bad to the (presently unaware) American public.