[Mad_Tom_Rackham]

Yes, I have. And I can agree with many of his points. For example, the Republicans are certainly averse to making rule changes that could diminish their chances of using the filibuster in the future, and I agree with this. Frist has also said that the Republicans do not want to derail other important legislation from being enacted by the Senate, and I agree with this, to a point.

To me, however, there comes a time when the value of judicial nominations outweighs ALL ELSE (and, IMO, we are long past that point). And let's not forget that the Dims are using this as a proving ground to derail any future Supreme Court nomination, which to them is the "Holy Grail" of politics (look into it and you will see why this is so).

Thus I remain unconvinced that Frist's tactics are sound, and to me he seems more and more to be a "let's all get along" Republican SML wimp in the same mold as Lott and his fellow wimps, Hatch and Specter.

[Congressman Billybob]

Remember that the filibuster is NOT indivisible. Ending the filibuster with regard to judicial nominees while leaving in effect with regard to ordinary legislation, is what the Republicans are trying (however inadequately) to accomplish.

Let me recap the "nuclear option" which I hope will be used:

Senator who favors the judicial nominees rises and says: Point of Order Mr. President. Doesn't the Advise and Consent clause require a majority vote on judicial nominees, and therefore isn't Cloture Rule unconstitutional if used against such a nominee?"

Vice President Cheney presiding for the occasion: "Let me check with my Parliamentarian." [Confers with Parliamentarian.] "The Chair determines that the Point of Order is correct. The Cloture Rule cannot be constitutionally applied to any judicial nominee."

That will be game, set and match, because a ruling of the Chair stands, unless overruled by a majority of the Senators present and voting. And the Democrats do not have a majority on this subject. Even if Snowe and Chaffe (R, supposedly) both turn squish and vote the wrong way, Miller (D, but honest) will vote the right way. That makes it 50-50. Cheney casts the tie-breaking vote, and the ruling stands.

The solution is there. All that is needed is the WILL TO DO IT. (And no, I'm not sorry for shouting.)

J / BB

[Dolphy]

Thus I remain unconvinced that Frist's tactics are sound, and to me he seems more and more to be a "let's all get along" Republican SML wimp in the same mold as Lott and his fellow wimps, Hatch and Specter.

I agree this is all about the Supreme Court but I'm not sure how you think the fight could be better fought. They need public support for the big picture not these few judges confirmed. In that light they are being quite skillful. They have a Hispanic, a black, women and southerners being denied a vote. They are trying to get the story out to the American people, paint the Democrats and set the bigger stage.