It is interesting that both Reid and Durbin are opposing Kerry's attempt at a filibuster...
Durbin is playing both sides of that. He's on board with Kennedy/Kerry.
Democrats Split Over Filibuster On Alito
By Charles Babington
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, January 27, 2006; Page A01Several prominent Democratic senators called for a filibuster of Samuel A. Alito Jr.'s Supreme Court nomination yesterday, exposing a deep divide in the party even as they delighted the party's liberal base.
The filibuster's supporters -- including Sens. John F. Kerry and Edward M. Kennedy of Massachusetts -- acknowledged that the bid is likely to fail ...
Party sources said Reid and others worry that a filibuster, while likely to fail, will nonetheless detract voters' attention from issues that Democratic leaders consider more promising. They include Bush's controversial domestic surveillance program, the indictments of a top White House official and a congressional leader, and the unfolding scandal centered on former lobbyist Jack Abramoff.
Party leaders especially worry about forcing a filibuster decision on Democrats seeking reelection this fall in GOP-leaning states, including Nelson and Kent Conrad (N.D.).
While Reid hoped to avoid a filibuster, Democratic Whip Richard J. Durbin (Ill.) supports it. But at a midday session with reporters, Durbin acknowledged the likely futility.
"Having made a count," he said, "I have come to the conclusion it is highly unlikely that a filibuster would succeed."
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/01/26/AR2006012601955.html