Voinivich will vote "aye" - that makes 9 repub committed votes for Judge Sotomayor.

[lamp_shade]

He's talking now - CSPAN2.

[lamp_shade]

1. Alexander, Bond, Collins, Graham, Gregg, Lugar, Martinez, Snowe, Voinovich.

[Nyquil Man]

2. 67-31, per C-SPAN,

though they still have Voinovich listed as a no. So it could be 68-30.

http://www.c-span.org/Supreme-Court-Sotomayor-Senate-Confirmation-Votes.aspx

Begich of Alaska and Byrd of West Virginia are the only two listed as holdouts, Byrd for obvious reasons, Begich for less obvious and less respectable reasons.

[bluestateguy]

4. I am beginning to lose patience with Bobby Byrd

I can understand him missing this vote--it's not needed--but when it comes time for the big health care votes then he needs to show up, or resign and let Gov. Manchin (D) appoint a replacement.

I know he is ill, but he has good health care, and too many other people do not and that vote is needed.

[Nyquil Man]

6. I understand your frustration.

I'm more frustrated with people like Begich.

For Christ's sake. Don't run as a Democrat if you aren't going to be a Democrat. Even Nelson, Lincoln, and Pryor managed to find their spines on this one.

[bluestateguy]

3. Notice that 4 of those Republicans are not running for reelection

And I suspect Lugar will bow out in 2012. They need not worry about facing the wrath of the NRA or the Club for Growth in a primary.

[Nyquil Man]

5. And Collins and Snowe are about as safe as can be.

They essentially run as both Republicans and Democrats.