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The Washington Timeswww.washingtontimes.com Democrats threaten shutdownBy Charles HurtTHE WASHINGTON TIMESPublished March 16, 2005 Democrats yesterday said they will halt all Senate business except essential operations and national defense if Republicans use the "nuclear option" to unclog President Bush's judicial nominees.     Senate Minority Leader Harry Reid of Nevada made the threat in a letter yesterday to Majority Leader Bill Frist, who has said he has the 51 votes needed for a parliamentary procedure that would force the nominees through the Senate on a simple majority vote.     "Of course, Democrats would never block legislation vital to our troops or other national...