[NittanyLion]

That's not what the gang of 14 indicated. Those 14 determine a filibuster override. And it includes 7 Dems. So you need a nominee that is acceptable to those 7 Dems in order to ensure that the rest of the Dems will not attempt a filibuster. And you also need to get Snowe and Collins on board as well.

I disagree. I think we could've pried the necessary GOP votes out of that group to vote in favor of a qualified candidate such as Brown or Owens. If a couple chose to defect and join the Dems, so be it. If the Dems decided to filibuster, then let them be seen to obstruct the nomination of someone like JRB - it only helps the GOP and ultimately we could've changed the Senate rules anyway.

[dirtboy]

it only helps the GOP and ultimately we could've changed the Senate rules anyway.

Once again, the GOP wing of the Gang of 14 took that option off the table in this situation. That's the new reality in the Senate regarding nominees.