[Bloody Sam Roberts]

Pickering's term on the court will automatically end at the end of the current session of the Senate--Dec 2004. So technically, Pickering will be on the bench one year. Thereafter, his position will be open again.

Not if we pick up more Senate seats in the '04 election. Then we can get the 60 votes and confirm anyone. IIRC, there are 4 seats up for grabs.

[alnick]

Pickering's term on the court will automatically end at the end of the current session of the Senate--Dec 2004. So technically, Pickering will be on the bench one year. Thereafter, his position will be open again.

Not if we pick up more Senate seats in the '04 election. Then we can get the 60 votes and confirm anyone. IIRC, there are 4 seats up for grabs.

Plus if Pickering serves with integrity and dignity during the year, which of course he will, the dems will look foolish opposing him -- after all, "look at the fine job he's done for the past year."