Prospect of filibuster guides presidents who nominate judges (Excellent!)

[MaineDem]

From the Waterville (Maine) Morning Sentinal:

U.S. Sen. Olympia J. Snowe will reportedly break ranks with other Republicans in the battle over how the Senate votes on judicial nominations.

We applaud her decision and urge Maine's other Republican senator, Susan M. Collins, to join Snowe in opposing the misguided effort to change the way federal judges are confirmed.

...

Her opposition, like Snowe's, would help preserve a process that ensures no one is confirmed for a lifetime appointment as a federal judge unless he or she has the support of at least 60 senators. Senate rules now allow 40 senators to use a tactic called a filibuster to prevent a vote for a judicial nominee.

That is reasonable. A nominee who cannot persuade at least 60 senators to support him or her is probably too far outside the national mainstream to be effective on the bench.

http://morningsentinel.mainetoday.com/view/columns/1628148.shtml

That makes so much sense to me. If a nominee can't get 60 votes she or he doesn't deserve that lifetime appointment. Makes all the sense in the world!

[trotsky]

1. This isn't about making sense or being reasonable.

This is a my-way-or-the-highway I'm-right-you're-wrong if-you're-not-with-me-you're-against-me rightwing takeover of the courts.

[GetTheRightVote]

2. I hope more voices join in the chorus with this paper

I am going to call the Senators and thank them for not voting for Mr. Bolton. I know it has not happened yet, it is to recourage them to do it.

:kick:

[struggle4progress]

3. kick