Free Republic

March 7, 2003 G.O.P. Loses Filibuster Vote on Judicial NomineeBy NEIL A. LEWIS ASHINGTON, March 6 — Senate Republicans lost a crucial test vote today over President Bush's nomination of Miguel Estrada to the federal appeals court in Washington, gaining 55 votes, 5 short of the 60 needed to cut off debate. Today's vote left only increased confusion over how the issue, with its complex brew of ethnic and judicial politics, will play out. Each side seemed increasingly obstinate, declaring that the other was trampling on the Constitution. The Republicans hold a 51-49 majority in the Senate, enough to confirm...