[Carling]

The Dem caucas is likely going through senate race polling #s to see which red-state donkeys can give the Yea votes. There will be at least 60 Yeas simply because then the Dems can say to their kook base that the votes simply weren't there to sustain a filibuster.

It's so transparent.

[mosquitobite]

Yep. Can't afford to bet on Graham's comments about judical nominations: "we'll clean your clock"! LOL!

Byrd knows what percentage of WV voters voted for Bush. ;) A vote against Alito would make his re-election bid that much more costly.

[Cboldt]

There will be at least 60 Yeas simply because then the Dems can say to their kook base that the votes simply weren't there to sustain a filibuster.

It's so transparent.

I have the same feeling. Much easier to handle the hits to a few DEM Senators, than for DEM leadership to have to try to explain "why no filibuster" if/when the final vote is less than 60.

[daybreakcoming]

The Dem caucas is likely going through senate race polling #s to see which red-state donkeys can give the Yea votes.

This is similar to watching a play develop and the actors all take their positions. It is as you say, so transparent.