Today, as you have no doubt heard by now, Senator Stevens' attempt to get the Arctic drilling scheme to Bush's desk for him to sign was foiled.
The Cantwell-led filibuster effort was successful, with forty three senators voting to continue debate on the defense bill, thus preventing it from passing.
All Democratic Senators except for 4 - Daniel Inouye, Daniel Akaka (Hawaii) Mary Landrieu (Louisiana), and Ben Nelson (Nebraska) - joined the filibuster.
All Republican senators voted to cut off debate, except for 2 - Republicans Lincoln Chaffee (Rhode Island) and Mike DeWine (Ohio) - who joined the filibuster.
After it became clear that Cantwell's bloc was going to prevail, Frist joined on as well, so he can bring it back up again.
Senator Cantwell's leadership deserves a round of applause. Ted Stevens is an arrogant whiner who is usually able to twist arms and get his way. For refusing to be cowed, Cantwell needs to be commended.
Reaction and more information about the vote below the fold.
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