April 25, 2005
WRONG QUESTION:
If Senate shuts down, who's to blame?: Facing Bush judicial nominees, eager interest groups, and the 'nuclear option,' a divided Senate keeps raising the stakes. (Gail Russell Chaddock, 4/26/05, The Christian Science Monitor)
As the Senate moves toward a showdown over the so-called nuclear option, risks and rewards confront both Republicans and Democrats, whatever the outcome.Both sides concede that the move to lower the threshold required to end a filibuster from 60 votes to a simple majority could shut down the Senate. But it's not clear for how long, with what consequences, and who would be blamed if the Senate's work grinds to a halt.
The question isn't who'll be blamed but who'll care. The answer is: only the Left Posted by Orrin Judd at April 25, 2005 2:45 PM
I don't really see how the Dems see this playing out. At least when the Reps shut down the government, it was just one decision. The Dems will have to face a series of refusals to act, while the Reps basically get a free chance to grandstand.
Posted by: David Cohen at April 25, 2005 6:36 PMIt bit the Reps. the last time and may again, unless strong leadership emerges to guide the Reps. through the "rocks and shoals", which are fraught with danger on the PR front. I don't look forward to the possibility, but to be realistic ... Rove may be licking his chops.
Posted by: Genecis at April 25, 2005 8:41 PMNo, it didn't. Reopening it did.
Posted by: oj at April 25, 2005 9:01 PM"...if the Senate's work grinds to a halt..."
Um, pardon me, but if the filibuster is ended, wouldn't that PREVENT the Senate from grinding to a halt?