Dems (Nelson, Lautenberg) Predict Filibuster Won't Be Used to Block Alito

[Wordie]

This article appears to be generalizing from the comments of two Senators, Nelson (NE) and Lautenberg (NJ). There is a second part to it that discusses where a variety of Senators currently stand on the Alito confirmation and the possibility of a fillibuster, and is worth reading; some of it is disheartening, some neutral.

Democrats Predict Filibuster Won't Be Used to Block Alito Vote

Jan. 18 (Bloomberg) -- Senate Democrats are predicting there won't be any attempt to block a vote next week on the confirmation of Supreme Court nominee Samuel A. Alito Jr., despite demands from women's groups who aren't satisfied with his answers on abortion.

Senators Ben Nelson of Nebraska and Frank Lautenberg of New Jersey offered the forecast today as five women's groups called for a filibuster, a parliamentary tactic to prevent Senate confirmation through endless debate.

...``We urge the Senate to filibuster his nomination to protect American women, and all the American people, from his extreme ideas and the dangers that accompany them,'' said a statement signed by presidents of the organizations, including the Feminist Majority Foundation and the National Congress of Black Women.
`Grave Concerns'

Democrats met in the U.S. Capitol today for lunch to discuss strategy for the Senate debate on Alito. Democratic Leader Harry Reid of Nevada didn't insist on a unified party position, said spokesman Jim Manley. Still, Manley said, Reid has ``grave concerns'' about Alito's ``experience and judicial temperament for the job.''

http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=10000103&sid=aR._aDPbtmF8&refer=us

[still_one]

1. then they can forget about getting any money from me as a group

individuals who are willing to stand and fight for principles and what is right, I will continue to support, but NOT the democrats as a group, i.e. DNC

[brentspeak]

Frank Lautenberg is pretty far removed from the DLC

[shance]

4. He sure seemed to like Alito in the hearings.

Certainly didn't seemed bothered by his extremist leanings.

But of course Lautenberg is a wealthy white male so why should he be bothered?

[David Dunham]

7. Alito is from NJ, where Lautenberg lives

[shance]

18. I'm from Texas

Does that mean I should let Tom Delays' or John Cornyns' actions slide?

[still_one]

5. I know, I wasn't being personal, but in addition I said DNC

Because they support all democrats blindly, and I do not

[Wordie]

2. Well, I think the title of the article may have been misleading.

They seem to be relying on a pretty small sample of Senators to come to the conclusion. (I wondered if I should even post it. Maybe I shouldn't have.)

[still_one]

6. No it is always good to inform

In the back of my mind I believe Leahey deferred the vote for one week for a reason, at least I like to think so

Incidently, someone mentioned on Majority Report yesterday that the vote will take place on the anniversary of Roe V Wade

[Wordie]

10. Well, yeah, but I don't want to dampen anyone's enthusiasm, because of

what may be a misleading article.

I think I am just information-starved, so that's why I posted it.

I also have wondered if there are things going on behind the scenes, for some of the reasons you mention. Maybe the Sen. Dems are hoping that we will really put the pressure on, so others will change their vote to "no," or at least be willing to support a fillibuster.

One thing that bothered me from the article was this:
Nelson joined six other Democrats last year in pledging not to filibuster against judicial nominees except in extraordinary circumstances.

He and another member of the group, Arkansas Senator Mark Pryor, have said a filibuster wouldn't be justified against Alito under an agreement that averted a showdown with Republicans over judicial nominees.

Nelson said Alito is qualified and cited his ``very strong and personal commitment that he does not plan to be a judicial activist. I haven't heard anything that has dissuaded me so I am persuaded.''

I guess I'll put Nelson on my call/write list. Looks like we need to try to dissuade him from voting for Alito with some good arguments addressing the issue of judicial activism. And it might be good to give the Gang of 14 some reasons why Alito does represent "extraordinary circumstances."

[still_one]

11. I don't think you will dampen anyone's enthusiasm at DU

We are comprised of the most passionate group around. I only wish many of the Democrats in congress would share some of that passion

[Wordie]

13. Well, thanks. I agree about the passion & hope everybody keeps on calling.

[goclark]

3. Are they speaking for themselves or all Democrats in Congress?

[WI_DEM]

8. I know Nelson is voting for Alito, but is Lautenberg going to too?

That is surprising because Lautenberg is usually a dependable liberal vote.

[Wordie]

12. Lautenberg is undecided, according to the article.

(Regarding a fillibuster) ``I don't think there will be one,'' said Lautenberg, who listed himself as undecided on Alito's confirmation.

This was also troubling, but we already knew this: Senator Dianne Feinstein of California said over the weekend on CBS's ``Face the Nation'' that there is little likelihood of a filibuster because there weren't ``egregious'' statements or rulings by Alito to justify it.

Wonder if she's changed her mind yet? I contacted her, with some pretty good arguments, imho. And what does she need for it to be considered "egregious"? The Constitution just says "advice and consent" but doesn't say anything about criteria, or that objections need to be only for "egregious" statements or rulings.

[gulfcoastliberal]

9. They'll "Roberts" Alito

"We have grave concerns but we're going to vote you in, anyway".

I pray I eat my words - but have the feeling we're doomed here - the dems have no spine. None.

[Wordie]

15. There was an post here saying Lieberman was considering a fillibuster.

I don't know if it's true, 'cause I haven't managed to read it yet. But if so, that would be amazing and very helpful.

I hope they will all stand up against Alito too. The thing that will make the difference is LOTS of calls and emails, letting them know how strongly we feel about this. I'm still hopeful.

Edited to add:

It was something Lieberman apparently said in an interview on the Ed Schultz show:
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=132&topic_id=2376880

[ginnyinWI]

20. unless they are deliberately putting out mis-information

to throw certain people off the scent... :tinfoilhat:

[Wordie]

22. Sen. Reid has mentioned that there is a list of questions that the Dems

have asked Alito to answer - they've sent him a list and are waiting to see how he answers the questions. This is an interesting development, don't you think?

(I heard him say it in his interview last night on PBS.)

[AndyTiedye]

14. Nelson: Everyone PLEASE CAVE IN QUICK, So The Big Bad 'Pubs Don't Hurt Me

:grr:

[AndyTiedye]

16. What is Lautenbert's Excuse?

He's in a blue state, and not even up for re-election!

Please don't

[Jersey Ginny]

19. I just hope and pray Lautenberg knows something

b/c everything looks to me that Alito is a radical wing nut who loves all corporations and believes the president is king and can't wait to overturn Roe. This is not a guy who Lautenberg would typically vote for and Lautenberg has been consistently voting for the little guy, environment and all Dem causes. As he is in his 80's he doesn't really care what people think. My hope is that he knows Alito as fellow Jersey people. I called his office and asked that Alito be filibustered, however.

[Innocent Smith]

17. before or after meeting

Do you know if they said that before or after todays meeting?

[f-bush]

21. These folks need to grow a spine and quickly