Question to the savvy...bout Senate Rules?

[OKthatsIT]

If the Reps block the Dems from performing their Senatorial duties, why can't the Dems WALK OUT...stop the govt cold!

OR what if they stay and refuse to vote for every pice of legislation that the Reps bring up??

What are they going to do?

[FreedomAngel82]

1. Is this talking about the nuclear option?

Is that coming up soon? I hope they walk out.

[OKthatsIT]

2. yes..im speaking of Bolton and filibustering

The man is a monster

[LostinRed]

3. Harry Reid already threatened a shut down

except on issues of "national security". Here's a link
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/7193614/

[OKthatsIT]

4. But will they stand their ground?

Its the only way to stop a Civil War. The other choice is .... there's no other choice. It is the last means of reasoning.

The NeoCons are Dominionists and our liberty is at stake, here.

[wtmusic]

5. One word: obstructionism

Looks bad, and is bad. If they make their constitutents pay by holding up legislation tit-for-tat, who suffers in the long run?

"Stopping the government cold" is not the answer. Playing hardball, by the rules, is.

[OKthatsIT]

7. Playing hardball, by the rules, is.?

There are no rules! Isn't that plain?

[wtmusic]

9. Playing hardball means

blocking Republican-sponsored legislation, not shutting the government down. Brings the * agenda to a screeching halt and makes Frist look like a poor leader (in front of his probable '08 presidential bid)--as opposed to making Democrats look childish.

[kentuck]

6. If they knew the Repubs were going to bring it up Friday....?

They could start a filibuster on Thursday and keep it going as long as they needed. They don't have to wait and vote on the filibuster. They can filibuster the filibuster buster...

[OKthatsIT]

8. Well, let's get it onnn!!!

Why havent we seen it by now??? They must make that decision, and soon!

[wtmusic]

10. Then they would just play the nuke option earlier

all it takes is for a Senator to raise a point of order that further debate is "dilatory"

[paineinthearse]

11. Sorry, walk out would not work.

Many of your questions revolve around a quorum. Read rule 6.

Standing Rules of The Senate
RULE VI

QUORUM - ABSENT SENATORS MAY BE SENT FOR

1. A quorum shall consist of a majority of the Senators duly chosen and sworn. 2. No Senator shall absent himself from the service of the Senate without leave. 3. If, at any time during the daily sessions of the Senate, a question shall be raised by any Senator as to the presence of a quorum, the Presiding Officer shall forthwith direct the Secretary to call the roll and shall announce the result, and these proceedings shall be without debate. 4. Whenever upon such roll call it shall be ascertained that a quorum is not present, a majority of the Senators present may direct the Sergeant at Arms to request, and, when necessary, to compel the attendance of the absent Senators, which order shall be determined without debate; and pending its execution, and until a quorum shall be present, no debate nor motion, except to adjourn, or to recess pursuant to a previous order entered by unanimous consent, shall be in order.

So if every Dem went AWOL, the rethugs would have >50 (a majority) and would be able to conduct business.

[wtmusic]

12. They could, however

insist on reading every bill that comes up for a vote. The effect would be nearly the same.