[Dat Mon]

For your scenario to make sense...the RINOS would have to agree to allow the 'nuklar' option to be exercised at some later point in the future if the dems filibuster...else the pubs gain nothing at all from this activity.

Now...you maintain that these RINOS would not support the nuklar option to be exercised TODAY...else why would we want this 'deal'...just do the nuklar option NOW and get it over with. Hold the vote and see whats what.

The assumption would in addition then have to be that these same RINOS actually want conservative, strict constructionist judges to be appointed...they just don't want to go nuklar AT THIS TIME, but maybe LATER ..if its absolutely positively necessary to do so. I guess they respect the comity and traditions of the Senate more than they want good judges on the bench.

How do we know how many RINOS in the senate actually want conservative candidates sitting on the bench? How many want Bolton confirmed? How many...being moderates or liberals...or opportunists...or worse...actually want a conservative agenda enacted?

Its a good question...your scenario IMO assumes good intent on the part of the RINOS (like Collins et al). You also neglect the effects of what will be a massive PR / spin operation later on...if these RINOS are called upon to act on the nuklar option. Will they be able to stand up to a relentless media spin campaign...designed to save the Republic from extremist judges on the SCOTUS?

Ill tell you what is definite..they do NOT want to go on the record NOW as voting for or against the Presidents nominees.

JMHO..but this deal was done now for the precise reason of confusing the base...so this moderate RINO power block can have their cake and eat it too...deny conservatives a seat on the bench...but hide it from the base so as to minimize their exposure come the next primary election. In effect they will deny FUTURE as yet unannounced conservative nominees a chance at being nominated...using this agreement as a club against the President.

Actually..I hope you are right and I am wrong...and we get all of Bush's nominees voted on and confirmed...ASSUMING that part of the deal is not for Bush to only appoint moderate candidates like Gonzales to the SCOTUS.

If thats part of the hidden fine print here...count me out.

[Lancey Howard]

I hope I am right, too.
As far as Gonzales is concerned, I will put my trust in Dubya for the time being. I need to find out more about Gonzales. But I do think the first Hispanic to get a seat on the SCOTUS should be a Hispanic version of Clarence Thomas and nothing less.