Looks like a filibuster is on the way

Senate's 'Gang of 14' Fractures Over Alito

WASHINGTON - The 14 centrists who averted a Senate breakdown over judicial nominees last spring are showing signs of splintering on
The Chimperor's latest nominee for the Supreme Court.

That is weakening the hand of Democrats opposed to conservative judge Samuel Alito and enhancing his prospects for confirmation.

The unity of the seven Democrats and the seven Republicans in the "Gang of 14" was all that halted a major filibuster fight between GOP leader Bill Frist and Democratic leader Harry Reid earlier this year over Bush's nominees.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051102/ap_on_go_su_co/alito_gang_of14

You are a SCREAM! :rofl:

:shrug:

I don't really follow why it weakens the Democrats' hand, either, Kazak.
I hope the filibuster takes place, but it looks as though Scalito gets confirmed in every scenario.

"That means he needs two members of the centrist group to join the rest of the GOP to make his goal. With a 50-vote tie in the Senate, Vice President Darth Cheney would cast the tie-breaking vote for the Republicans and Alito could be confirmed with majority support."

Aren't they going to have a simple majority anyhow? The "centrists" are just going to vote to confirm. Or am I being too cynical?

...the group, and said they will vote to change the rules in the Senate regarding the filibuster (as in it's not allowed), this will be a blow to the Democrats plans.

I expect the Dems will not take this well and there will be some very lengthy an nonproductive senate sessions.

do is ask that every bill be read in its entirety before a vote could take place. That request could not be turned down, and it would be a "legal" filibuster. The Republicans need to think through if they really want this to happen.

as it stops sneak riders from getting through.

they wouldn't be able to do business at all - legislation would be brought to a halt. Have you seen the length of these bills? Pages upon pages upon pages ...

Win-win for the Dems!

Go for it: filibuster your hearts out brave Dems! If the Republicans go nuclear, they will be the ones facing the fallout in '06. If Republicans break the filibuster over this nomination, it will hurt the right-wing agenda beyond repair. Polls already show that America is not warming to Alito. A filibuster is rarely used but it is something Americans like to keep around just in case. We like the option of having one. It is an exciting event in politics when a Senator holds the floor.

Prediction: the Republicans will lose big time in 2006 if they follow through on their threats to use the "Nuclear Option." Already on shaky ground, do they have the balls to risk it or are they too stubborn to realize the risk the inherent in eliminating the filibuster?