Disputed anti-environment Judicial Nominee Clears Senate Panel

http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/nation/la-na-judge18mar18,1,5680057.story?coll=la-headlines-nation

Disputed Judicial Nominee Clears Senate Panel
William G. Myers III wins the approval of the GOP-led committee, but a showdown is expected with Democrats over the right to filibuster.
By Henry Weinstein and Maura Reynolds
Times Staff Writers

March 18, 2005

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans set the stage Thursday for a battle over the right of Democrats to block President Bush's judicial nominees, but tried to ease the escalating tension with a letter saying they were open to compromise.

On a party-line vote of 10 to 8, the Senate Judiciary Committee approved the nomination of William G. Myers III to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, paving the way for debate on the Senate floor — and a threatened showdown over filibustering.

But late in the day, Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) sent a letter to Minority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) saying he would soon offer a proposal that took "account of complaints both parties have had with the confirmation process."

Frist offered no specifics but said he would release details after Congress returned from its Easter recess April 4. Reid quickly responded with a statement welcoming Frist's "more constructive approach."<snip>

The Dems do everything our way & we will continue to do what ever the hell we want to.

"Senate Republicans set the stage Thursday for a battle over the right of Democrats to block President Bush's judicial nominees, but tried to ease the escalating tension with a letter saying they were open to compromise."