Interesting filibuster/nuclear roundup on
ABC News (take for what it's worth, I have no idea how credible this is). Bottom line: the cat killer has 45 votes, of the 50 he needs. Three repub Senators are expected to vote to uphold the filibuster (anti-nuclear), seven are said to be sitting on the fence or at least hedging their bets to an extent that nobody can be sure on whose side they'll come down. Details below the flip (some interesting tidbits).
The breakdown:
- Publically commmitted to defending the filibuster: McCain, Chafee
- Believed to be committed to defending the filibuster: Snowe
- The fence sitters/Unpredictables: Collins (ME), Hagel (NE), Specter (PA), Warner (VA), DeWine (OH), Murkowski (AK), Sununu (NH)
The following quotes make me think that Murkowski is probably a lost cause for Frist as well:
Conservative groups such as Progress for America and Focus on the Family have spent millions of dollars on ads since mid-April in Alaska and elsewhere trying to persuade undecided Republican senators to support Frist. Murkowski said those efforts have backfired with her. "I was very offended at the tone," Murkowski said. "But they've continued, and it's been kind of interesting. I've probably gotten more positive feedback for my position, which Alaskans consider to be very thoughtful, very deliberate, about what is happening here in the Senate."
In the end, Murkowski said, the question has to be about the Senate, not politics, the president or the party. "We have to remember that our decision has to be in the best interest of the institution as a whole," Murkowski said. "Not in the best interest of the Republicans, not in the best interest of the Democrats, but in the best interest of we as senators and the institution itself. I think that's what we should keep in mind."
Warner and DeWine (gotta love that name :-)) really keep their hand covered:
DeWine sees power in not having committed to either side."I've decided. I just haven't announced it yet because I think that it's a good chance that we can get it worked out," DeWine said. "I'm hopeful that by not announcing it, I can help keep these negotiations going."
Warner is the last of the powerful GOP "old bulls" in the Senate not to say he will join with Frist. Warner has said repeatedly that he worries that ending the judicial filibuster will weaken the Senate. "I tend to be a traditionalist, and the right of unlimited debate has been a hallmark of the Senate since its inception," Warner said. "Without question, though, I am strongly opposed to the use of the filibuster to block judicial nominations."
Frist needs five out of seven. Whaddaya think?