I am writing this as a brief update of yesterday's diary by Naturegal
link
http://www.dailykos.com/...
It appears that the Democrats plan to filibuster the defense appropriations bill so long as it includes Senator Stevens' insert of the provision for drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. At present, the vote is expected tomorrow.
Yesterday's diary listed 14 senators who are considered crucial on the filibuster. One was Sen Snowe (Maine). Today's Washington Post story on the debate gives me some hope on her vote. It states:
An aide to Sen. Olympia J. Snowe (R-Maine), who has consistently opposed drilling in the Arctic, said her boss was also outraged at Stevens's move. "Senator Snowe believes that inserting ANWR into the defense appropriations bill discredits the integrity of the process," spokeswoman Antonia Ferrier said. "The American people will see this for what it is, a cynical approach to legislating that will further erode public confidence in the federal government." Here is a link:
http://www.washingtonpost.com/...
Joe Lieberman made an excellent, emotional speach yesterday against the Appropriations bill in its current form. As much as I am really upset with Joe, he deserves credit here. And the fact that he is such a supporter of the war lends cover to those willing to filibuster the defense bill from attacks that they do not support the troops.
Finally, CSPAN has a poll on whether you support the filibuster. Please vote. Here is a link:
http://capitalnews.org/