I agree with Russ Feingold on the filibuster Deal!

[saracat]

He sStatement of Senator Russ Feingold on Tonight's Decision Regarding Judicial Nominees and the Filibuster

May 23, 2005

This is not a good deal for the U.S. Senate or for the American people. Democrats should have stood together firmly against the bullying tactics of the Republican leadership abusing their power as they control both houses of Congress and the White House. Confirming unacceptable judicial nominations is simply a green light for the Bush administration to send more nominees who lack the judicial temperament or record to serve in these lifetime positions. I value the many traditions of the Senate, including the tradition of bipartisanship to forge consensus. I do not, however, value threatening to disregard an important Senate tradition, like occasional unlimited debate, when necessary. I respect all my colleagues very much who thought to end this playground squabble over judges, but I am disappointed in this deal.

http://feingold.senate.gov/~feingold/statements/05/05/2...
ays this much better than I !

[JI7]

1. i understand what he is saying but

the Democrats who joined the Republicans in the deal were the ones who regularly vote with the Republicans other times. part of it has to do with them coming from republican leaning states.

we can talk about unity all we want but we also have to consider where these senators come from and what their concerns are being from that state.

[sandnsea]

2. Pryor will be the test

From what I gather, Pryor isn't going to get the votes. When that happens, the right wing will get the message that the entire senate does not consent to radical fundamentalist judges. That will set the precedent for the kind of Supreme Court judges that the Senate finds unacceptable. If Bush sends a Pryor type up for the Supreme Court anyway, then Democrats can claim "extraordinary" circumstances. I'm guessing.

As easily swayed as people are these days, this was a risk for both sides. We keep the filibuster for the Supreme Court in exchange for 2 judges.

The worst part, in my mind, is red state Democrats gain more power. I don't know what to do about that.