Why do we need Reid for a filibuster?????

[neverevergivein]

He is an anti-choice Senator. This is not so big to him. Without him, we still have 43 + Jeffords. Subtract Nelson, fine. that's enough to FILIBUSTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Mass]

1. If you want a WINNING filibuster, we need the leadership to step up

I agree you do not need Reid's vote, but you need Reid's weignt to get Lieberman, Pryor, Landrieu, Conrad, or at least a few of them on board.

[blm]

2. If they had the 41 number they would. Evidently they do not.

I don't know WHO is preventing it, but it looks like at least a handful of them are.

[Avalux]

3. Well, as a woman - this isn't all about choice for me.

And believe me - I'm rabidly pro-choice. I really believe the repugs will not get rid of Roe though - so they've been using it as a distraction.

What this battle is all about is expanding executive power - Alito will be a blank check for Bush to do whatever the hell he pleases (even moreso). Alito's nomination scares the hell out of me for far different reasons than Roe. Hopefully it's about more than that for Reid too - and he'll make the right decision.

[ncrainbowgrrl]

6. I just did a doubletake- I didn't write this, but it's EXACTLY what

I would have written!

I agree with you, sparosnare! :hi:

[Avalux]

7. Great minds think alike - eh?

Very cool! :hug:

[liberalla]

11. I'm with you on this also.

Roe V Wade is the least of my concerns with Alito... and yes, I am pro-choice also.

[wisteria]

17. I agree, but will add, they will keep their base happy by

attempting to erode and place obstacles in the way of women seeking abortions. I just can't fathom how short sited their base is. They are being used also for money and votes.

[FreedomAngel82]

23. If they do get him to the court

they'll probably try something and it'll fail and they can keep on blaming the mean old liberals.

[FreedomAngel82]

22. Bingo

Roberts was for the corporation and Alito is for power. Roe v Wade is a red herring. They saved it for Alito because of his written past on the issue and to get him through. He's so extreme on power nobody would support him. The republicans know they can't lose Roe v Wade as an issue. Maybe someday people will recognize that.

[bowens43]

4. but it's not enough to stop the appointment.

[longship]

5. Reid will be there when he's needed.

Although, if cloture is sure to fail, he might vote "yes" on cloture to preserve Dem's rights on the floor. You might remember that Frist voted "No" on previous cloture votes for that reason.

I trust Harry. Remember, we do not know what is going on behind the scenes. Any public pronouncements about cloture are bound to be incorrect. Do not assume.

[MH1]

8. Preserve what rights?

I understand how that worked in Frist's case. I don't understand why it justifies Reid voting yes on cloture for Alito. Can you describe a specific example of what he can do differently if he votes yes instead of no?

[liberalla]

10. I trust (and LOVE) Harry too

However, I am still hoping they pull off a successful filibuster.

I can't wait to see how this plays out.

[rpannier]

9. If there are not the votes for a filibuster

then it's sort of a dead issue. If there are are five hold outs then it won't happen. I'm guessing, and I have nothing to prove this, that Landrieu (LA), Pryor (AR), Nelson (NE), Nelson (FL), Salalzar (CO) are not on board and there may be two or three others.
Personally, I want them to filibuster this guy. But there are people here at DU who want every nominee and appointee by scrub filibustered and that's just unrealistic.
As to doing this without Reid -- Again, it ain't gonna happen. The Democratic Leadership has shown a tremendous amount of unity and organization. Boxer, Durbin and Reid have done a terrific job leading the Party. You have to have Reid's leadership to successfully filibuster.

[windbreeze]

12. Then those 5 need to be replaced...

Because we can't keep waiting for the next time...filibustering Alito, is the one thing the Dems must do...god help us all if they don't...
windbreeze

[baby_bear]

13. exactly, windbreeze

The Dems didn't filibuster Roberts. They saved it for something really big.
What could be bigger than this nomination at this particular time?

This is extraordinary -- it meets that test a million times over.

b_b

[beaconess]

14. And don't forget - the filibuster deal guaranteed that three of the worst

nominees got a free ride to lifetime appointments on the federal appellate court. And we were told that this was necessary in order to preserve the filibuster for the Supreme Court.

And then along came Roberts, and not only didn't the Democrats filibuster but 22 Democrats actually voted for him. And we were told they were saving the filibuster for the really, really important nomination - the one replacing O'Connoer.

And here we are again. And they're telling us - no - we can't use the filibuster on this one because Bush might appoint a REALLY bad judge one day and we'll need it then.

And they wonder why we don't believe them anymore!

[baby_bear]

19. exactly - if this ain't bad, I don't wanna know what is. n/t

[depakid]

16. Yep-

That's the only way the Dems have a chance to regain relevancy again.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

15. 8 of 44 won't support filibuster at this point per email

From [e-mail]

"Harry Reid met with progressive lobbyists on Tuesday and told them he has nearly 44 votes against Alito, but there are 8 Democratic Senators who will not support a filibuster.

Only 41 votes are needed for a filibuster. If Reid has nearly 44 votes against Alito, every one of those Senators should support a filibuster or their vote against Alito is meaningless.

So call the Democrats who are leading this battle and demand a united Democratic filibuster:
Harry Reid (NV)
Dick Durbin (IL)
Chuch Schumer (NY)
Debbie Stabenow (MI)
Pat Leahy (VT)

Use these toll free numbers to call the Capitol: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/directory/congdir.tt?command=congdir

Reid would not name the "Alito 8" who are blocking a Democratic filibuster - so we need to identify them and tell them not to betray the Democrats who funded them and voted for them.

The most likely suspects are the "Red State" Democrats:
Tom Carper (DE)
Kent Conrad (ND)
Byron Dorgan (ND)
Tim Johnson (SD)
Mary Landrieu (LA)
Blanche Lincoln (AR)
Mark Pryor (AR)

Also call these "Blue State" and pro-choice Republicans:
Lincoln Chafee (RI)
Susan Collins (ME)
Lisa Murkowsky (AK)
Bob Smith (OR)
Olympia Snowe (ME)
Ted Stevens (AK)

..."

[depakid]

18. How do you know that's true?

Not that we shouldn't contact those people- but really- why should anyone believe an e-mail?

That's pretty lame, if you ask me.

[Humor_In_Cuneiform]

26. I don't know, that's why I presented as "per email"

Everyone can judge for themselves.

[SurfRidem]

20. Because as minority leader, he is one who can call in the favors.

[FreedomAngel82]

21. Please show where Reid has said he will

vote against Roe v Wade. Just because he claims to be pro-life doesn't mean he's against Roe v Wade. :eyes:

[Niche]

24. HE'S ON THE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE

[Dragonbreathp9d]

25. If others jump on board

I'm fairly certain he will too. He may be 'anti-choice', but I'm sure he sees the executive overreach danger