The rules of the Senate are in these lawmakers' hands

The Hill ^ | 5/19/05 | editors

[tucker_is_in_texas]

Here is my take on each of these Senators vote:

Group of seven possible filibuster defections.(only one darn Dem).

Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) - loyal to McCain, but not foolish enough to go down bucking the voters in SC. He will attempt to structure a deal, but without either a commitment to vote for all filibustered nominee's, or concurrence from the Rep leaders, he will vote for the Byrd option to bar filibuster of judges.

John Warner (R-Va.) If needed he will vote to bar filibusters of judges, but, he would love to not alter the "Genteel" nature of the Senate harmony.

Arlen Specter (R-Pa.) - Would love to vote against his party leaders, but he knows he would lose his coveted Chairmanship of the Judiciary Committee, so if needed he will vote to bar filibuster of judges.

Susan Collins (R-Maine) - This one is hard to call if she is the final determinate vote. But she wants a leadership positon in the Senate, so I'd guess if she can vote against he party without being the deciding vote she probably will, if she would give the Dems a win, I'd guess she would vote for with the Rep's.

Mike DeWine (R-Ohio) - Wants for not have to vote, but if he must he will vote with the Rep's.

Gordon Smith (R-Ore.) - MSM needs to learn to read his speech, he is with the Rep's no matter what.

Ben Nelson (D-Neb.) - It is really funny that this is the only Dem mentioned. There as 4 or more other Dem's from RED states that like DeWine, do not want to vote. They will out alot of pressure on the Dem leaders to "stand down" on these filibustered judges. They will try to spin it as an effort to save the filibuster for SCOUS judges, but the real reason will be the do not wish to cut their own throats Dems today, or give the Reps in their states a butcher knife to cut each Senator to pieces in 2006.

Thats my take of the issue. Feedback anyone?

[RetSignman]

Thanks, I did that and in no uncertain terms, I informed his office that if he doesn't start showing the courage of his predecessor, Strom Thurmond, he has lost my vote.