Posted on 11/01/2005 12:40:15 AM PST by RWR8189
WASHINGTON (AP) -- Sen. Mike DeWine said he would back conservative threats to change Senate rules to ban filibusters of judicial nominees if anyone dared to use the tactic to challenge President Bush's latest Supreme Court choice.
The Republican from Ohio took a lot of criticism from conservatives when he helped forge a deal with Democrats preserving the minority party's right to filibuster nominees, but only in "extraordinary circumstances."
The compromise stopped a logjam in the Senate over Bush's nominees to lower courts.
DeWine said the latest Supreme Court nominee, veteran appeals court Judge Samuel Alito, is "within the mainstream of conservative thought," rejecting early suggestions by Democratic leaders that the nominee is too radical.
"I can't believe anyone would believe this is a nominee that could be filibustered or that it would rise to the level of 'extraordinary circumstances,"' said DeWine, one of 18 Senate Judiciary Committee members who will hold confirmation hearings on Alito. "If someone would filibuster, though, I would be prepared to vote to change the rules."
DeWine's position is a stark departure from the conciliatory tone he struck as one of seven Republicans and seven Democrats who brokered the compromise earlier this year.
Two conservative groups railed against DeWine in radio ads and accused him of striking "a backroom deal."
One of those, the Family Research Council from Washington, said DeWine had taken a "step in the right direction" and showed the weakness of the coalition, known as the Gang of 14.
"It's probably the result of hearing from his constituents," said council president Tony Perkins.
DeWine "would be in very odd position in regards to a judge like Alito if he did not come to the defense of the president's nominee. If anything, I think he's trying to show his support for the president because, in backing the Gang of 14 compromise and pulling the rug out from under Senator Frist, he hurt the president."
DeWine said the Gang of 14 would meet soon to discuss Alito's credentials.
Democratic leaders have not said anything about filibustering Alito, only that he "requires an especially long, hard look," Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid, D-Nev., said Monday.
DeWine also broke with the more conservative wing of his party in supporting Harriet Miers, Bush's last nominee to replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor.
He was dismayed when she withdrew her nomination Thursday and had complained about the pressure exerted by conservative interest groups.
He liked the diversity that Miers represented -- a woman and a lawyer who had never been a judge.
But he wasn't too concerned that Alito represents the opposite on both counts -- a federal judge for 15 years who, according to Reid, would make the court look "less like America and more like an old boys club."
"He was on the short list both previous times" when Bush chose Miers and eventual Chief Justice John Roberts instead, DeWine said. "He's been talked about a lot and I don't know anything about him that could make anyone think he should be filibustered."
Actually he says he'll only back the ban if a judicial nominee who he finds acceptable is filibustered.
He all but came out and said that Alito does not constitute "extraordinary circumstances"
He got the message when he son was defeated for an open Ohio Congressional seat primary right after he joined the "gang".
We wouldn't be in this quandary without his whimpy rino actions earlier. It sounds to me like he has found religion in the last few days.
Ah, the warmth! Where are my sunglasses? :-)
Of course he will - - this was the genius of the "Gang of 14" deal. Seven Republicans, including DeWine, promised not to "go nuclear" in exchange for seven Democrats' promise not to filibuster. If some or all of those seven Democrats break their promise and support a filibuster (which would have to happen in order for a filibuster to succeed) then the seven Republicans have all the cover they need to get righteous and vote to "go nuclear".
Yes, I should have clarified that
"He got the message when he son was defeated for an open Ohio Congressional seat primary right after he joined the "gang"."
Boy, you got that one right. The backlash from Conservatives hit very close to home, didn't it?
weren't there a few nominees NOT covered by the agreement? What is their status?
Did you hear Graham on Sunday, virtually daring Schumer to filabuster..?
("Denny Crane: Gun Control? For Communists. She's a liberal. Can't hunt.")
I believe this is the 4th of The Surrendering Senate Seven to signal they'll invoke the Constitutional Option if necessary, and I believe it will be.
That was a perfect example of Republican-style appeasement... and there were more than a few moron's here lauding it.
Congratulations to everyone who gave DeWhine an earful for his participation in the gang of 14. Like Lindsey Graham, he apparently got the message.
DeWine will support the nuclear option. Graham will support the nuclear option. McCain, we can best guess will support the nuclear option. Specter will most likely also support the nuclear option.
The GOP has the votes. There will be no filibuster.
Let O'Connor Go Home By Christmas.
I didn't hear that about Graham, but it doesn't surprise me.
I heard him on Hannity and it surely sounded like all the RINOs had been taken off guard by the depth of the backlash against the Gang of 14.
Graham did sound like he was looking for a fight so he could redeem himself in front of his constituents.
Whatever. It's the grassroots that are going to get Alito confirmed.
Thanks for counting---I didn't realize four of the Wimpies had already pledged to back the President this time.
Good work, all who shamed Them!
Do you really think the Rats would fillibuster if they know even the wimpies are onboard with the nuclear option this time?
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