[Congressman Billybob]

The Democrats have already committed that they will not filibuster a nomination to the Supreme Court. However, you know how those Democrats can lie.

It is best at this point that the Senate Republicans "go nuclear" for the remaining held up judicial appointments. That way, the decks are absolutely clear for the next Supreme Court nomination -- which will come no later than June, 2004, perhaps earlier.

John / Billybob

[hchutch]

Perhaps. Still, I'm a little leery.

The fact is, any Senator who can get 40 other Senators to vote with him due to agreement on an issue, a trade-off (pork projects or support for a bill), or even blackmail (knowing where a political body is buried). For legislation, I think the filibuster is legit.

On the advice and consent part, it isn't, and that is probably where the nuke ought to be used, but doing so WILL have some effects down the road. NOTHING of substance will be done after that nuke is used for the rest of the Congress involved.

The timing will be critical, IMO. Pass the appropriations and energy bill, then use the nuke on the nominations. Daschle can hold up everything else after that point.

[Zack Nguyen]

Congressman, is McCain-Feingold to be ruled on soon? The post above mentioned it.