Senator Kennedy's Call to Arms

Senator Kennedy just had a conference call with a number of bloggers to update us on his and Senator Kerry's filibuster effort, and to encourage the netroots and the grassroots to keep up our efforts. He's very excited by what he's seeing here and throughout the blogosphere, and gave a great pep talk.

He is encouraging you to contact your Democratic Senators, regardless of what they might have said so far, but specifically mentioned Senators Pryor, Lincoln, Cantwell, Murray, Baucus, Harkin, Levin, Bayh, Lautenberg, Menendez, and Lieberman. In addition, he said to keep the pressure on Republican Senators Snowe, Collins, Chaffee, and Stevens.

Senator Kennedy talked in particular about one thing that I think is critical to keep in mind as we approach our Senators, and for them to keep in mind as they are considering this vote. We need to overcome the media noise machine by letting our Senators know that in voting their conscience, and making it clear that they are voting on principle, on conscience, they will overcome the media noise machine calling them obstructionists. We can help them realize this by letting them know that we've got their backs. That they are voting our conscience as well, and that we will not forget their courage.

Here are some more thoughts on breaking down the Republican talking points we know will be flooding the traditional media from Ed Kilgore:

I can only hope Senate Dems make a serious effort to stay focused on the Big Case against Alito during the debate.... It's especially important that they deal with the GOP "obstructionist" talking point by relentlessly reminding people that Bush deliberately picked this fight by giving conservative activists their very own Supreme Court nominee. And it wouldn't hurt to spend some time exposing the hypocrisy of "pro-choice" Republican Senators who are deliberately giving the anti-abortion movement the fourth vote they need--just one short of a majority--to erode and then overturn Roe v. Wade.

This is, as Senator Kennedy reminded us, a generational battle. Samuel Alito on the Supreme Court could turn back a generation's worth of progress in civil rights, in worker protections, in equality for women, in environmental protection, in the fight of the little guy against the corporation. And Samuel Alito on the Supreme Court will affect the generations to come. We cannot afford to refight the battles of the past 40 years during the next 40 years.

This is an uphill battle, but one in which we can at the very least achieve a moral victory. Approached with principle, with passion, and with vigor, a moral victory is not a hollow victory. As Senator Kennedy told us, "You don't ever lose fighting for principle, for what is decent and right. You don't ever lose when you have the power, the force of being correct."

Now let's get back to work!

•  Stevens?

  How is the President Pro Tempore in play?  That's news to me.

  by BTP on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:01:25 PM PDT

  •  I'm just the reporter

    and didn't have a chance to follow up with that one. But Kennedy does apparently think he's in question. I could see Stevens being more in play once we actually know we have the filibuster in deciding whether to go nuclear. I think he's very uncomfortable with that idea.

    by mcjoan on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:04:17 PM PDT

    •  Don't let Mary Landrieu behave like Jar Jar

           Binks, or Salazar (Jar Jar Salazar) or Bobby Byrd, either, see http://www.dailykos.com/... ...

           Save the Republic!

           May the Kos be with you.

      by David Boyle on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:07:21 PM PDT

      •  Move them to abstain!

        For those hard nuts to crack - keep it up, move them from yes to Alito or yes to cloture to YES, I ABSTAIN!

        All it does is show they are willing to listen to ALL of their people, taking their time, slowly and methodically listening to what their people say.

        IT WON'T COST THEM!

        Sorry - I shouldn't yell.

        by kfred on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:18:49 PM PDT

        •  Filibuster Instant Fax:

          
          Fax the word to FILIBUSTER instantly to twelve wavering Senators:"

          Call the Democrats (Mary Landrieu, Ken Salazar, Barack Obama, Tom Harkin) who oppose Alito but also said they oppose a filibuster. We must persuade them that a vote against Alito is meaningless if they don't support a filibuster.

          Senator Salazar (D-CO) 202-224-5852

          Sen. Mary Landrieu (D-LA) 202-224-5824 (If you can't get through the Washington number, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/...)

          Senator Barack Obama Phone: [phone] District Offices: Chicago: 312-886-3506 Marion: 618-997-2402 Springfield: 217-492-5089

          Senator Tom Harkin Phone: [phone] District Offices: Des Moines: 515-284-4574 Cedar Rapids: 319-365-4504 Davenport: 563-322-1338 Dubuque: 563-582-2130  Sioux City: 712-252-1550

          Second : Call your own Democratic Senator: 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/...

          Third : Unbelievably, three Democrats (Ben Nelson, Tim Johnson and Robert Byrd) support Alito! Tell them to either support filibuster or at least "don't get in the way." Sen. Ben Nelson (D-NE) 202-224-6551 Sen. Robert Byrd (D-WV) 202-224-3954 Sen. Tim Johnson (D-SD) 202-224-5842
          
          888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/...

          Fourth: Call the "Red State" Democrats: (Message same as above -- "No" is meaningless) Tom Carper (DE)
          
          Kent Conrad (ND)
          
          Byron Dorgan (ND)
          
          Mark Pryor (AR)

          Fifth : Call these "Blue State" and pro-choice Republicans: (Message: A "Unitary Executive" is dangerous to balance of powers--please do not get in the way of a filibuster.) Lincoln Chafee (RI)
          
          Susan Collins (ME)
          
          Lisa Murkowsky (AK)
          
          Gordon Smith (OR)
          
          Olympia Snowe (ME)
          
          Ted Stevens (AK)

          Blanche Lincoln (AR)

          888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/...

          For extra credit, call all of the 2008 Presidential candidates who are sitting Senators--Evan Bayh, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton, Russ Feingold, and John Kerry--and tell them to either LEAD THE FILIBUSTER or KISS YOUR SUPPORT GOODBYE. 888-355-3588 or 888-818-6641. If you can't get through, look up the Senator's District Office number in your phone book or here: http://capwiz.com/...

          You can also send that message to the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (202-224-2447) and the Democratic National Committee (202-863-8000).
          
          Polls and public opinion are another way to apply pressure -- get word out about why Alito needs to be filibustered:

          Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. (Click here)

          People for the American Way has collected nearly 65,000 signatures to send to the Senate, please add yours: Save the Court Petition

          John Kerry has endorsed this anti-Alito petition, signers' names will be read into the Congressional Record:http://www.johnkerry.com/...

           

          by judybrowni on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:48:54 PM PDT

          •  Blanche Lincoln is a democrat N/T

            by mindoca on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 07:48:32 PM PDT

          •  My Fax

            George Bush has two goals in nominating Alito. Short term, he wants Alito on the court for self protection. Alito really believes that anything the president does is legal, as long as he's a Republican. Second, Bush wants to roll back civil rights, women's rights, worker's rights, etc... We cannot allow Alito on the court. You may feel that this is a lost cause, that we cannot stop Alito from being confirmed. If this is true, we still must show that we understand why Alito has been nominated and why he is bad for America. We have to be on the record for the people's rights. That will help us to take back the congress and the presidency. You can't win a fight by sitting it out.
            

            by Jesterfox on Sun Jan 29, 2006 at 10:25:16 AM PDT

      •  Landrieu and Byrd

        NOW has a great list of phone numbers, including Landrieu's.

        NOW's list

        It also would be useful for people to contact the West Virginia Democratic Party and demand that Byrd vote for the Alito filibuster.

        [e-mail]
        Phone: [phone] Fax: [phone]

        by fedupnyc on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:27:13 PM PDT

        •  Why should they get your donations?

          With 'Dems' like these, who needs Republicans?
          .

          by Peanut on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:54:01 PM PDT

    •  Thanks.

      I know he's uncomfortable with the idea, and it doesn't really matter, to me, since I'm in CT.

      But I will get to work on Lieberman.  He needs all the Dem support he can get later this year.

      by BTP on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:07:49 PM PDT

  •  Good question

    He was the last Republican (other than Chafee, Snowe and Collins) to let his yes vote be known, I wondered why he took so long.

    by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:05:04 PM PDT

    •  Who are you referring to..?

      by notime4lies on Sun Jan 29, 2006 at 11:38:03 AM PDT

      •  Ted Stevens of Alaska

        Wow, with all the comments have push mine down so far it doesn't make a lot of sense.
        

        by NYC Sophia on Sun Jan 29, 2006 at 12:02:48 PM PDT

  •  Someone must have told him

    that Alito would rule against government-funded Bridges To Nowhere.

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:05:07 PM PDT

  •  Though he is a nut...

    Stevens claims to be pro-choice, as do 58% of Alaskans (15th highest in the nation, http://www.surveyusa.com/...).  I imagine that's why he's "on the fence".

    by peaceandprogress on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:08:24 PM PDT

    •  I'll add that it's a mixed record

      regarding Stevens and choice.  NARAL has given him some very low ratings (between 0 and 25%), but apparently he supported the interests of Planned Parenthood 50% of the time from 1996 to 2003.

      by peaceandprogress on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:18:17 PM PDT

      •  Hmm I wonder what changed after 2003

        Maybe he was promised Arctic drilling if he changed his voting pattern on choice.

        by NYC Sophia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:46:18 PM PDT

  •  Ted Stevens

    However Ted Stevens feels about abortion rights (self-described pro-choice), he's a Republican first. Moreover, he is adamantly opposed to judicial filibusters; we went thru this in '05, folks.

    by Grumpy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:30:25 PM PDT

  •  A heard...

    ... just a little bit of Stevens speech yesterday (could not stand for more), and to my surprise he was saying how difficult a vote this is for him, given his long standing pro-choice views. But that he is going to vote yes ofr reasons I did not bother to listen to. Quite a surprise, and proof once again that nothing is just black & white.

    by mangusta on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:59:32 PM PDT

    •  "difficult vote"

      I think the "this is a difficult vote" phrase gets trotted out when what the congresscritter actually means is that it was an easy vote for them but may be a difficult vote to explain when they're up for re-election.  

      I might be inclined to give some the benefit of the doubt, but not Stevens.

      by Bearpaw on Mon Jan 30, 2006 at 08:06:28 AM PDT

•  You go, Senator Kennedy!

  "You don't ever lose fighting for principle, for what is decent and right. You don't ever lose when you have the power, the force of being correct."

  We're with you 100%
  

  by etherapy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:01:47 PM PDT

  •  The man

    is a quote machine. My fingers couldn't keep up with his eloquence. It was an inspiring call.

    by mcjoan on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:05:00 PM PDT

    •  What I want to know

      is how can I get in on the next call????

      by etherapy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:06:12 PM PDT

      •  Not sure when there's going to be another

        Maybe tomorrow night. If I hear about one, I'll do a diary thread to get questions from you guys.

        by mcjoan on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:15:39 PM PDT

        •  Thanks

          mcjoan, you were lucky to get on that call! I wish I could! :(

          by Hummingbird on Sun Jan 29, 2006 at 03:55:11 PM PDT

•  Come Senators....

  . . . Don't stand in the doorway
  Don't block up the hall
  For he that gets hurt
  Will be he who has stalled
  There's a battle outside
  And it is ragin'
  It'll soon shake your windows
  And rattle your walls
  For the times they are a-changin'

  
  

  
  
  ~~Dylan

  by GOTV on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:03:16 PM PDT

  •  Did Dylan steal that...

    ...from an HMO commercial?

    by KingOneEye on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:08:57 PM PDT

•  Poem...

  Cheers to a Filibuster, it's the thing to do.
  The country has been hijacked, they've taken it from you.

  Their ducks are in a row, as they make their final play.
  To take away your freedom, in the USA.

  First they'll shout security, as they search you high and low.
  Then they'll shout "you traitor" when you say a Judge should know.

  The repugs they say "trust us, we have your good in mind"
  As they empty out your pockets and stab you from behind.

  "Trust us on the war, we know just how to win."
  "You are lucky that the SCOTUS made sure that we were in."

  Gore had more votes in Florida, of that we can be sure.
  But the US Supreme Court ruled, it was Bush we needed more.

  Recount the whole state, is what the lower court had ruled.
  But then Al Gore would win, so the SCOTUS over-ruled.

  Now we have a war, a deficit and shame.
  Thanks to Scalia and Thomas, our country's not the same.

  Now it is complete, Alito's at the door.
  Next the court will rule, we don't need elections anymore.

  "Elections are not neat, you can not tell who votes for who."
  "So we will pick your Presidents, we know what's best for you."

  "We are in a war, so freedoms just don't matter."
  "So please look the other way, while our wallets just get fatter."

  "Someday when this war is over,  we'll grant these rights to you."
  "But only IF WE decide to,  it wont be up to you"
  

  by Silence Do Good on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:05:50 PM PDT

  •  nice..

    now do it in Haiku form!

    by betsyross on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:15:58 PM PDT

•  What Dems need to remember

  They are saying they don't want to fight now because they don't think they will win. What they need to remember is that part of the reason they are in the minority more now than they were 2 years ago is specifically because no one believes they will fight for anything.

  They may lose this fillibuster fight, but they have to prove to people at large that they are willing to fight at all. Even if we lose this battle, once they show us they have the stomach to fight, we will be there with them for the next battle, and the next one, until we do win.

  by 2501 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:06:57 PM PDT

•  I just want to add to the list of reasons...

  ...you cite to vote against Alito:

  His support of an Imperial Presidency may be the danger that is most imminent should he be confirmed.

  In a nation where the Supreme Court has already created Corporate Personhood, the last thing we need now is a Royal Executive.

  by KingOneEye on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:07:13 PM PDT

  •  Exactly

    
    "His support of an Imperial Presidency may be the danger that is most imminent should he be confirmed

    "

    Thanks

    by chancy gardner on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:04:26 PM PDT

•  Voice Mails Full? Then FAX!

  Use http://www.tpc.int/... to send free faxes to the Senators.

  Here are the phone/fax #, from KatherineH over at Democrats.com:

  Here's more contact info. Spread/email/post this far and wide. Let's get everyone involved this weekend. Call tomorrow when cell phone minutes are free, and twice on Sunday!

  The Three Turncoats:
  Ben Nelson
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://www.senate.gov/...

  Tim Johnson
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://www.senate.gov/...

  Robert Byrd
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://byrd.senate.gov/...

  Our "Party Leader":
  Harry Reid
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://reid.senate.gov/...

  Democrats Not Confirmed Filibuster-ers:
  Barack Obama
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://obama.senate.gov/...

  Mary Landrieu
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://landrieu.senate.gov/...

  Ken Salazar
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://salazar.senate.gov/...

  Joe Biden
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://biden.senate.gov/...

  Byron Dorgan
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: [e-mail]

  Diane Feinstein
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://feinstein.senate.gov/...

  Evan Bayh
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://bayh.senate.gov/...

  Maria Cantwell
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://cantwell.senate.gov/...

  Kent Conrad
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://conrad.senate.gov/...

  Blanche Lincoln
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://lincoln.senate.gov/...

  Mark Pryor
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://pryor.senate.gov/...

  Frank Lautenberg
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone] / Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://lautenberg.senate.gov/...

  Bob Menendez
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://www.congress.org/...

  Jay Rockefeller
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: [e-mail]

  And Sympathetic Republicans:
  Lincoln Chafee
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://chafee.senate.gov/...

  Susan Collins
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://collins.senate.gov/...

  Olympia Snowe (The ladies may have a uterus, just not a spine.)
  Phone: [phone]
  Fax: [phone]
  Email: http://snowe.senate.gov/...

  by Phoenix Woman on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:07:24 PM PDT

  •  Unfortunately, Akaka says he's against filibuster

    http://www.kpua.net/...

    Here's his contact info.:

    United States Senate
    141 Hart Senate Office Building
    Washington, D.C. 20510
    Tel: [phone]
    Fax: [phone]
    Prince Kuhio Federal Building
    300 Ala Moana Blvd., Rm. 3-106
    Box 50144
    Honolulu, HI 96850
    Tel: [phone]
    Fax: [phone]

    101 Aupuni Street
    Hilo, HI 96720
    Tel: [phone]
    Fax: [phone]

    E-mail: [e-mail]
    

    by raatz on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:14:13 PM PDT

    •  See my comment above

      Move him to ABSTAIN then.  There is NO risk in it for him.

      by kfred on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:24:53 PM PDT

  •  If TPC email-faxing won't work...

    ...try http://www.ourfax.com/...

    by Phoenix Woman on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:25:20 PM PDT

  •  Add Carl Levin (D-MI) to the list

    Phone: [phone]
    Fax: [phone]

    He hasn't taken a position yet. His Michigan colleague, Debbie Stabenow, announced her support for the filibuster and she's up for re-election this year. That's the kind of courage I like to see.

    by Dump Terry McAuliffe on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:46:49 PM PDT

•  Easy way to send High Impact message to senators

  f you can't get through by phone or fax and want to spend $9, here's the easy, fast, guaranteed way to get a message into a senator's DC office.

  http://www.congress.org/...

  Go to the senator's page/send a message and it will give you the option to send a HighImpact hand-deliverd Western Union message.

  by ravenwind on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:07:28 PM PDT

  •  Now That is Old School...

    Sending a senator a Western Union Telegram...

    I would love to see the face of the staffer who has to sign for it from the delivery guy. It would be priceless

    "We still HAVE telegrams?" :)

    by ndhapple on Sun Jan 29, 2006 at 01:20:43 PM PDT

•  Menendez is listed as for a filibuster

  What we are doing is having an effect. As of yesterday he was undeclared. Today he is a no for Cloture. This is great news and shows the winds of change are blowing. It is difficult to support a filibuster against a hometown boy. It shows that he felt the pressure, and needs us for his election in the fall. Now we need Lautenberg. If both NJ Senators come out in favor of a filibuster that is major. Call Lautenberg.

  Washington DC       
  Hart Senate Office Building     Phone: [phone]
  Suite 324     TTY: [phone]
  Washington, DC 20510     Fax: [phone]

  I encourage you to send me a fax or an electronic message.

  Newark Office      
  One Gateway Center     Phone: [phone]
  Twenty-Third Floor     Toll Free Number: 1-888-398-1642
  Newark, NJ 07102     Fax: [phone]

  Camden Office      
  One Port Center     Phone: [phone]
  Suite 505, Fifth Floor     Fax: [phone]
  2 Riverside Drive      
  Camden, NJ 08101      

  If you are not sure where in NJ you live you can get it here

  Not sure what your zip code is you can get that here

  by Tanya on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:08:32 PM PDT

  •  Great news

    I've been calling both NJ Senators since Weds. but still will send faxes and another email.

    Can't get to Menendez' email yet since his website is still not set up http://menendez.senate.gov/.  Do you know how to get an email through to him?

    by joanneleon on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:14:20 PM PDT

    •  When I emailed Lautenberg I asked him to pass the

      message on to Menendez, and to remind him he has a hard fight in the fall and he is going to need us.

      by Tanya on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:25:07 PM PDT

      •  I also contacted Corzine

        and said I thought it was appropriate to ask him to advise Menendez since he had just taken over his seat, and of course asked him to support the filibuster.  I think that is also worth a call/fax/email.
        http://www.state.nj.us/...

        by joanneleon on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:41:42 PM PDT

        •  Wow I was just thinking the same thing

          I definately agree, and think we should all start calling Corzine also

          by Tanya on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:54:52 PM PDT

          •  oops

            I replied to myself instead of to you, by accident.  That comment, titled "Right," was meant for you.

            by joanneleon on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:16:06 PM PDT

        •  Right

          maybe Corzine will just say (from the guv's mansion): "damnit Bob, let's just stay behind this filibuster.  I've got work to do here!"

          I've also been thinking that if we can't get through to Senators, let's start on our Congresspeople.  Andrews will be hearing from me.

          by joanneleon on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:10:28 PM PDT

  •  I got the Menendez news from

    Georgia10's diary. We need to confirm this. And if he isn't on board we need to get the message to him loud and clear. Yes on Cloture no help in the fall.

    by Tanya on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:27:30 PM PDT

    •  Good to remember

      that it's likely that Menendez will have a primary to contend with also.

      by joanneleon on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:12:07 PM PDT

      •  Well we could help that also

        as of now he has a clear field but we could perhaps change that.

        by Tanya on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:13:55 PM PDT

•  I did

  I just spent the $8.95 to have Western Union plop a message on Sen. Salazar's desk.

  Maybe the fact that we're willing to spend money to reach them will make difference.

  by ravenwind on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:08:33 PM PDT

  •  It makes a huge difference

    The more time and money something takes the more weight it carries.

    by Tanya on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:10:27 PM PDT

•  Bush pushed the fight on us!

  If he hadn't nominated a radical right-winger -- if he'd nominated a mainstream judge -- he'd have had bipartisan support!

  That's the right response for Senate Dems to give, mcjoan, so thanks for highlighting Kilgore's statement.

  That's how you bat away the accusations of obstructionism.  Get the word out, Teddy!

  by Loquatrix on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:08:38 PM PDT

•  Know how I can tell we're making progress?

  The amount of wingnut trolls suddenly posting here!  God, it's like whack-a-mole.  They're terrified!

  That's a great sign.  Keep pounding away!

  by Loquatrix on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:10:08 PM PDT

  •  Whack-a-mole

    Ha! that made me laugh out loud!

    by etherapy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:14:04 PM PDT

    •  Whack-a-troll

      by One bite at a time on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:28:39 PM PDT

      •  Or whack-a-rat!

        Whack-a-rat!

        by etherapy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:30:17 PM PDT

  •  Compare and contrast

    We argue using facts and issues, they argue like schoolchildren.

    by Dump Terry McAuliffe on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:44:58 PM PDT

•  We're mad as hell...

  and we're not gonna take it anymore.

  -----> Off to the fax machine.

  by joanneleon on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:11:03 PM PDT

•  This is so exciting

  You became an FPer at a momentous time - good for you McJoan!

  Win or lose, (but winning would be far better :) )all I wanted was a Dem party I could feel good about - thank you to Senator Kennedy - I am proud to be a small part of this effort.

  by anotherCt Dem on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:14:12 PM PDT

•  Quick contact info for D+R Sens

  Quick contact links to ALL your Sens -- District Offices, as well as DC numbers.
  .
  Force multiplier: As a constitutional separate power, the Senate body represents all of us, so don't be beaten back by 'my constituents can reach me' signs. Use District Office zipcodes in email contact forms to email Sens outside your region. (Some contact forms require a zip.)
  .
  Constituents: FAX and phone locally to skip LD charges. A local fax is good bang for your effort. I've emailed, fax-followed up, then phoned to MAKE THEM TELL ME THEY GOT THE FAX. District offices are likely less clogged than DC 1-888 m-f no. (Free fax info at end of this post.)
  .
  Don't have a vague message. Tell Democratic Sens, NO on cloture and to filibuster. Be prepared to say state your disapproval with what is happening to YOUR govt:

  • imperial presidency who thinks he is above the law
    
  • tearing up the constitution
    
  • cancelling out hard-won civil rights
    
  • overturning Roe v Wade
    
  • losing checks and balances
    
  • losing separation of powers, equal branches
    
  • not separating church and state
    
  • extremist court
    

  .
  Tell GOP Sens, whether or not that's your representation, to vote NO on cloture or to abstain from a cloture vote. As for the 'nuclear option', ask GOP Sens if they intend to blow up the Senate or nuke the constitution. (I got that last stuff from my Repug cousin -- can you believe it? I'm figure skating on Hell, doing triple lutzes.)

  Free contact info, incl. free faxing at savethecourt.org.

  by Peanut on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:14:15 PM PDT

  •  Yeah, the "nuclear option" is bullshit

    Diaried yesterday:  Fear NOT the "nuclear option"

    Correction to the diary:  for the "nuclear option" to succeed, a majority of Senators would have to vote that the cloture rule is out of order (rather than unconstitutional).  That vote would violate all precedent; it would be a blatant, on-the-record lie.  

    "Nuclear option" = end of the rule of law.

    by Simplify on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:31:59 PM PDT

•  FAX. HOW TO. CLEAR. w. #.S.

  I have two diaries on how to FAX your Senators.

  I faxed all 100 on Thursday. Complete directions on how to fax 1 or 100, including complete phone and fax numbers for all Senators.

  I faxed my Filibuster FAX to the 46 Dems (+Jeffords) yesterday.

  This is EASY, QUICK, EFFECTIVE, and CHEAP.  It also feels really good.

  DO IT!

  by Yellow Canary on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:15:01 PM PDT

  •  Try Senator Chuck Hagel

    He may have more of a conscience than the average Republican.  And it seems he's been trying to distance himself from Bush.

    by enoughisenough on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:07:02 PM PDT

•  This is also a battle...

  over limits on presidential power...and instead of being "obstructionists"....we're being CONSERVATIVES and protecting the CONSTITUTION

  by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:16:53 PM PDT

  •  Republicans are no longer true conservatives

    Republicans have become corrupt extremists that are a danger to our country

    WE are the ones protecting the constitution

    WE are the ones that can keep  America safe

    WE are the ones who will truly support the troops

    WE must be the strong party and crush the WEAK republican party

    by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:43:15 PM PDT

•  Glad to see this, but ..,

  I'm glad to see this effort, but it would have been much more effective as a three month strategy rather than a last minute ploy.  I encourage everyone to keep at it, but I feel the movement to stop Alito would have been much more productive if these efforts has been started at a point other than at the last minute.

  The reason this is such an uphill battle is because everyone let the Republicans get the momentum on this nomination.  They came right out with their talking points and every dem said, "we'll wait and see."  We should have been out there every day saying that Alito is an extremist.  Perhaps, that way, the media would have been asking whether Alito is too extreme to sit on the SCOTUS rather than agreeing with each other about how capable he is and how his confirmation is inevitable.

  Momentum is like a snowball rolling down a mountain.  It's a lot easier to stop when it's small and not moving so fast.  But when it's a boulder and charging down the mountain and 120 mph, it takes a hell of a lot more effort to stop it.  Democrats have to stop waiting for the boulders.  In fact, it's time they started their own snowballs rather than just reacting to every one the republicans throw at us.

  /end rant

  by patagonia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:18:43 PM PDT

  •  Your Criticism Only Applies to Senate Democrats

    Some of Alito's opponents started fighting back the day he was nominated.  

    by fedupnyc on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:34:53 PM PDT

  •  Save that hindsight sh!t til Tuesday

    We got a fight to win.

    GAME ON!!!

    by Arabiflora on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:35:52 PM PDT

  •  maybe not, patagonia...

    sometimes the best assaults are those that come out of thin air.  It might not have the same effect of blindsiding anyone, but it puts the right wing wackos on notice that enough is enough.   With the battles ahead it is not too late to take stock in who has your back...and who doesn't.  Time to rally the troops.  Let the wheat become sifted from the chaff.

    by jcricket on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:55:54 PM PDT

    •  perhaps

      but in this case, it is my opinion that a longer, more coordinated strategy would have been more effective.  The thing about it is this:  

      Even if we somehow manage to pull off a filibuster we're going to have to explain why we did it.  Now, the general public, for the past three months, has been reading about how qualified Alito is and how his confirmation is inevitable.  So if this filibuster happens, everyone will want to know why.  Republicans, I guarantee you, already have talking points in place should this happen.  And that will only reinforce the narrative that the media has been pushing for for months.  If, however, the story had been Alito's extremism, a filibuster would make much more sense to the general public.

      I want to make clear I'm not against these efforts.  What I'm saying is that, for a number of reasons, efforts to stop Alito may have been more successful.  Think of it this way - which would you rather have: democrats scrambling to get a filibuster or republicans scrambling to secure "yes" votes?

      by patagonia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:21:28 PM PDT

  •  Peanut

    You may not have agreed with my assessment of the situation, but was it necessary to rate me a 1?  There is nothing trollish about my post, nor is it abusive, sarcastic, or otherwise worthy of such a low rating.

    Remember that ratings are not about whether you agree with someone, but rather the 1s and 2s are for obvious trolls and people who are being purposefully destructive to the community.  

    by patagonia on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:07:20 PM PDT

    •  You're ok, patagonia.

      by enoughisenough on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:08:49 PM PDT

    •  I gave you a 4 to counteract

      the undeserved low rating.

      by chancy gardner on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:10:43 PM PDT

•  This is about principle, not politics

  I think that goes without saying, whatever truth there may or may not be to the undending allegations that Kerry's doing this to set himself up for 2008.

  Having said that, though, I think that it is especially important for other leading Democrats to not only support and join his efforts, but stand up there and help him take the lead on it--especially those who aren't currently seen as likely '08 contenders.

  By doing so they'll not only give this effort some much-needed momentum and impact, but also help kill off all these secondary and cynical comments about Kerry's political motivations that have NOTHING to do with the very serious and substantial reasons for why we're so determined to block Alito.

  I didn't expect it to happen so late in the game, nor to be led by someone like Kerry (I thought Reid and Feingold would be the ones to lead it, but so much for talk about the boxer and the progressive), but I did expect it to be an uphill fight starting with what at first appeared to be a desperate and doomed effort on the part of a few lone voices within the party, supported only by the grass and netroots, and slowly gathering support and momentum.

  Well, that IS how it started, and that IS how it appears to be unfolding, as it slowly but surely gathers support and momentum beyond the roots, with the potential to turn into something really huge, and possibly even successful. And even if it "fails", it will still succeed, by showing us and the rest of the party and country that Dems can and do fight when sufficiently roused.

  To use a different but as I explained in another comment more appropriate historical term, I believe that this is our "Crossing the Delaware" moment.

  Onto Trenton, Princeton and victory!

  by kovie on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:20:39 PM PDT

•  Whatever your politics are,

  I believe that what makes Alito filibuster-worthy is that he refuses to repudiate unconstitutional acts.  

  • He refused to say that presidential "signing statements" have no legal weight.  Congress sets a law's intent, not the executive.  Congress can override of a presidential veto to pass a law, so the intent of Congress is the only intent with legal import.

  • He once ruled that shooting a fleeing unarmed suspect in the back was reasonable search and seizure.  

  • He refused to disavow himself of "unitary executive" theory, which posits that the executive can override legislative and judicial interpretations of constitutionality.  For example, under this theory, laws Congress wrote to codify constitutional limits on presidential power (such as FISA) could be ignored.  This is utterly ridiculous.  The legislative branch makes law, the executive branch carries out the law, and the judicial branch resolves legal disputes.  

  What's the talking point for this?  "Alito would make illegal rulings"--?

  by Simplify on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:22:51 PM PDT

  •  Dead on point.

    The "unitary executive" garbage is scarier to me than Roe, and is what makes Alito scarier than Scalia in my book.  Having just been through law school and reading more Scalia opinions than I care to think of, I'd think he'd pop a vein at some of what Alito has been advocating.

    by BTP on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:28:54 PM PDT

  •  or Alito refused to answer when asked

    and he lied by ommission when they asked about past rulings and writings.

    So he refused to answer and he lied to the American public.

    by Maddie05 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:07:04 PM PDT

•  Fox News

  is running spots and interviews about the fillibuster about every 10 minutes.

  They must be really worried!

  by etherapy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:24:23 PM PDT

  •  Laura Schwartz

    is on now kicking butt against the repug spokesman. Destroyed the "ski slopes in Davos" remark made by the fox woman.

    by etherapy on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:27:24 PM PDT

  •  Dubya must be choking on a pretzel again.

    by enoughisenough on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:10:12 PM PDT

•  I've cross posted this idea elsewhere

  but I can't understand how dems can look themselves in the mirror when saying crap like "I'm in a conservative state" or whatever, as an excuse for rolling over.

  It's the dems' problem in a nutshell: they are unable to articulate their position and stand up for it. They are unable to frame the argument as it should be.

  Alito is bad for everyone.  

  The dems' inability to tell their constituents the truth about what's going on, to stand for what's right and explain themselves in a way their constituents understand, is no excuse for allowing a clearly dangerous ideology onto the Supreme Court for the next 40 years.

  My gawd, they can't see past their own inadequacies to what it means to the nation to have this horror on the Supreme Court.

  They show ultimate weakness in their own abilities to govern because they can't lead - leadership is taking the right position, no matter how popular, and getting people to follow.

  If the naysaying dems were half the leaders they should be, they'd be out there right now talking to their constituents about why they AREN'T supporting Alito. And earning kudos and brownie points and VOTES because their folks would understand, finally, that someone was taking a stand on their behalf.

  by delphine on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:24:44 PM PDT

  •  ouch!

    however, this I agree with.

    If the naysaying dems were half the leaders they should be, they'd be out there right now talking to their constituents about why they AREN'T supporting Alito. And earning kudos and brownie points and VOTES because their folks would understand, finally, that someone was taking a stand on their behalf.

    by Maddie05 on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:10:53 PM PDT

•  This is a turning point

  I feel this in my gut. I am also surprised at Kerry carrying the flag, but, hey, you go to war with army you have!

  by mlheslin on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:25:42 PM PDT

  •  you go to war with the army you have.....

    touche!!!!!

    :)

    by jcricket on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:00:40 PM PDT

  •  Kerry is looking good to me.

    by enoughisenough on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 04:11:34 PM PDT

  •  Kerry's Holding the Flag

    But Teddy's leading the troops.

    by Night Owl on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 05:42:31 PM PDT

    •  Yes... Kerry is looking real good...

      But what the HELL is up with Harry? Is it true he is continuing to tell the press that he is against the filibuster? CYA Harry?  What do u think of him as a leader?

      by victoria2dc on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 06:05:30 PM PDT

      •  Harry's been better than Daschle

        But he''s still sort of a half measure of what we really need.

        Also, Reid's opposition to filibuster may be due at least in part to his pro-life stance.

        A big tent is great, but when the Senate leader is out of step with the vast majority of his constituency on such a defining issue, it enevitably results in weakness and division within the party.

        by Night Owl on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 07:49:03 PM PDT

•  Principled AND Pragmatic reasons to Filibuster

  The Dems and many Americans have allowed themselves to get caught up in the net of Republican-think where the greatest sin in the world is to be a 'loser'.

  But Dems do agree NOT to filibuster will not only STILL be LOSERS ANYWAY - they will be both LOSERS AND SELL-OUTS!!

  If ethical argumenets do not wash with some of these people - here's a little more pragmitism:

  'Losers' can take HONORABLE LOSSES and turn them to their advantage - both to UNIFY THEIR BASE and as a SPRINGBOARD out of the hole they're in.

  I can't help but think some of these wimpy Dems are thinking that by playing ball with the Repubs they are saving their constituents from being 'punished' by witholding of federal funds or favorable legisltaion...

  But c'mmon guys - the Repubs are THUGS - they have no reason to keep their word to you in the first place - so that doing the case - DO THE RIGHT THING.

  Oh - and to any on-the-fence Republicans...just think of the niche you could carve out as REFORM REPUBLICANS running in the '08 Presidential primaries....

  by bee tzu on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:25:43 PM PDT

•  Sent to Lieberman

  Senator Lieberman,

  I am pleased to hear of your intention to vote against the confirmation of Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court.  Alito's advocacy of the "unitary executive" theory is very troubling to me, and seems to fundamentally conflict with longstanding conventions regarding the separation of powers.

  I realize that this is an uphill fight, but I hope you will consider voting against the invocation of cloture on debate over the nomination.  It behooves our party to stand up for principles of separation of powers, and I am confident the people of Connecticut will stand behind a vote against cloture made in good conscience.  I know this constituent will.

  Best regards,
  BTP

  I hope it works.  It'd begin to make up for all his appearances on FAUX news.

  by BTP on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:25:44 PM PDT

•  Remember this

   No matter what you hear, keep it up. I got flamed yesterday for tellin people to still go after Lieberman, and now we hear he is still sitting the fence, look at the time lost. Keep it up !

  by OneCrankyDom on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:26:30 PM PDT

•  We must be gaining

  ground, I've never seen so many trolls. They are cornered scared little rats who backed the devil and their stronghold is being threatened.

  by One bite at a time on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:26:36 PM PDT

  •  There are only a couple on this thread

    (so far, any way).

    I haven't been following the diaries much today; have they been overly troll-infested?

    -dms

    by dmsilev on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:36:36 PM PDT

    •  I see an upswing

      of a very hateful bunch these last couple of weeks. The hidden comments are up to an entire page for today alone though some of that was infighting amongst some regulars.

      I think Kennedy and Kerry posting here brought a fresh batch over. One has the uid "Chappaquidick Ted".

      by One bite at a time on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:46:34 PM PDT

      •  "Chappaquiddick Ted"

        Originality isn't the Right's strong suit.

        by Dump Terry McAuliffe on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:47:41 PM PDT

        •  No,

          but beating a dead horse is.

          by One bite at a time on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:54:14 PM PDT

•  It's civil rights, stupid.

  The rest is a bunch of legal jargon that only those really paying attention can easily digest in this world of 7-second sound bytes, reality t.v. and shock media.

  Samuel Alito is the nominee most hostile to civil rights in a generation.  

  That is the core issue here.  CAP and the 24 years working against civil rights are the disqualifiers.

  It pains me to see Senators, Republican and Democratic, in 2006 America who don't consider those things enough to oppose his nomination.

  by DWCG on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:28:10 PM PDT

•  the democratic message

  Senator Kennedy has it right. The pithy, encapsulated message needed to pull everyone -- both "democrats" and republicans -- together on this is that Alito's appointment will:

  DESTROY A GENERATION OF DEMOCRATIC PROGRESS.

  by DJ Meme on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:30:22 PM PDT

•  Go Obi-wan Ken-Nady!!

  Nothing like a white-haired general to lead the rebel alliance!

  by Jason on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:30:27 PM PDT

•  The "Play of the Game"

  Is almost always in the third quarter.

  I spot them every time, and my friends often doubt. But when the game is over, they look back and agree.

  The "Play of the Game" is the one moment in the game where the underdog has that tiny chance to make it happen. And the overdog has that chance to nail the coffin shut. It is when fate calls each to perform to their full potential.

  For the future of our country? That time is now.

  by dj angst on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:33:31 PM PDT

•  Remember Harriet Miers

  She was sunk by religious conservatives, not Democrats.

  As you point out, Alito was Bush's ass kiss to the bangers on the right.

  by Bob Johnson on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:36:01 PM PDT

  •  but, but, but

    All the president's nominees deserve upper-down votes!

    Bastards.

    by mcjoan on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:53:38 PM PDT

•  This is almost certainly the last time

  anyone will be able to check the snowballing accumulation of power by this administration.

  by Bob Love on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:39:53 PM PDT

•  If Lieberman doesn't vote NO on cloture

  I will oppose him in the primary. Period. He's been a fair weather Democrat for too long and I'm sick and fucking tired of him voting against the caucus every time his collar gets tight. If he can't be on our side in this of all fights then he deserves to lose that primary and I will help him lose it if I can.

  by mSnook on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:40:22 PM PDT

•  yes!

  I am so glad to see Democrats fighting the Alito nomination. I really hope for a filibuster. I have been calling my senator's offices but Bayh's mailboxes are full (I will try again tomorrow and for sure Monday).

  I want to believe we have learned a lesson from how the voting went before the run-up to the Iraq war. When you just go along-to-get-along, neither in or out, it makes it very hard to come back later and be able to say, "I told you so!".

  Unfortunately, "I told you so!", may be one of the most important things that a minority party can set itself up to say down the road. But you MUST have made the right decisions during the foreplay so that you have the opportunity to bask in the afterglow.

  I believe one primary factor that has hurt Democrats badly, since the Iraq fiasco, has been the inability of so many representatives to be able to be able to shout, with any sense of credibility, "I told you so!".

  Don't you think things are going to get worse under Alito? You must or you wouldn't be this upset about him. Don't you think most Americans will eventually get it as the reality of the court decisions change the very fabric of their society? (no activist judges my ass). Even if we can't stop it shouldn't we put ourselves in a position to be able to say politically," I told you so!"?

  So do the right thing, fight Alito to the best of our ability and then, no matter the outcome, call it a day. Sometimes a progressives gotta do what a progressives gotta do.

  by beagleowned on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:43:03 PM PDT

  •  FAX es work best of all

    If you don't have a machine, look on Georgia10's thread, just under this one, for ways to send faxes through the internet for free.

    There's nothing like hard copy.  Stacks and stacks of hard copy.

    by Tulip on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:48:30 PM PDT

•  Emailed and faxed em

  http://www.senate.gov/...  FTW!

  by erik28com on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 02:46:32 PM PDT

  •  my idea about the filibuster

    I think that just getting the filibuster up and running is the key thing.  We can count on Frist and the Rethugs to behave so odiously that it might have the effect of stiffening the spine of the weak Democrats.   This thing could pick up momentum....

    by Eagleye on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:01:17 PM PDT

•  I'm not an American

  but this is one of the most positivity-driven threads I've seen in a while. Good luck to the fighting Dems!

  by moeman on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:01:51 PM PDT

•  I'm In

  I faxed both Murray and Cantwell.

  Holy Cow!  I am a committed lurker - since before the Irag war.  I didn't even register until last February.

  Goes to show how important this is.  Even the tongue-tied can send a fax.

  by green goblin on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:02:32 PM PDT

•  FEDEX Alito an Anvil too

  

  by RumsfeldResign on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:03:56 PM PDT

•  local phones and faxes! Hope I didn't post this on

  this thread, yet!
  I apologize for the length of this, but this is an emergency!
  I know you are probably overwhelmed, as I am, with what is happening, but one more time, PLEASE call the Democratic senators Monday toll-free at 1-877-851-6437. Tell them you SUPPORT the filibuster!! Word has it that due to overwhelming response to the Alito situation, many Senators have full voicemails or have turned them off due to all the calls!!! So below, I have listed alternate local offices for the Senators we need to focus on this WEEKEND!! Remember, a lot of people's cell phones have free weekends and most have free long distance, so this weekend would be a great time to call and leave a message, but still call on MONDAY, too!!! Kerry is leading the filibuster, but there are several DEMS who need a kick in the hiney to SUPPORT THE FILIBUSTER!! We need to call them, especially--They are:

  Evan Bayh (IN)
  Indianapolis
  [phone]
  Evansville
  [phone]
  Fort Wayne
  [phone]
  Hammond
  [phone]
  Jeffersonville
  [phone]
  South Bend
  [phone]

  Tim Johnson (SD)
  Aberdeen
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Rapid City
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Sioux Falls
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Barbara Mikulski (MD)
  Salisbury
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Greenbelt
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone] (fax)
  Annapolis
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Hagerstown
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Baltimore
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Joseph Lieberman (CT)
  Hartford
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Mary Landrieu (LA)
  New Orleans
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Baton Rouge
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Shreveport
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Lake Charles
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Robert Byrd (WV) This is REALLY DISAPPOINTING!!
  Charleston
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Ken Salazar (CO)
  Denver
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Colorado Springs
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Fort Collins
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Fort Morgan
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Pueblo
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Durango
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Grand Junction
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Alamosa
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Ben Nelson (NE)
  Omaha
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Lincoln
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Chadron
  Phone [phone]
  Scottsbluff
  Phone [phone]

  Daniel Akaka (HI)
  Honolulu
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Hilo
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Joseph Biden (DE)
  Wilmington
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Milford
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Byron Dorgan (ND)
  Bismarck
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Grand Forks
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Fargo
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Minot
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Kent Conrad (ND)
  Bismarck
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Fargo
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Grand Forks
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Minot
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Mark Pryor (AR)
  Little Rock
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Maria Cantwell (WA)
  Seattle
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Spokane
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Vancouver
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Richland
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Tacoma
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Everett
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Barack Obama (IL)
  Chicago
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Springfield
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Marion
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  In addition, there are two Pro-Choice Republicans who might possibly vote against Alito, tho it is a longshot. STILL TRY!

  Lincoln Chafee (RI) Talk about Alito's narrow view of a woman's right to choose and view of the Commerce Clause and his dissent ruling that Congress did not have the authority to restrict the sale of machine guns.
  Providence
  Phone [phone]
  Newport
  Phone [phone]

  Olympia Snowe (ME) Talk about preserving a woman's privacy and right to choose, without 'permission' from her husband, whether or not to continue a pregnancy.
  Auburn
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Augusta
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Bangor
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Biddeford
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Portland
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Presque Isle
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  And for good measure, Contact Arlen Specter (PA), Chair of the Judiciary, Pro-Choice, and the Republican who immediately called for the congressional hearing into the legality of the President's wiretapping without FISA warrant. If Alito is confirmed, given his view of Unitary Executive Power, these hearings will be moot, because Alito will back President Bush. Refer to this and to a woman's right to choose to carry a pregnancy to term when you call or fax!!
  Allentown
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Erie
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Harrisburg
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Philadelphia
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Pittsburgh
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Scranton
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]
  Wilkes-Barre
  Phone [phone]
  FAX [phone]

  Remember that if there was EVER a time to filibuster, ALITO is it!! This man is a danger to our country, our constitution, our rights and his placement on the SCOTUS will ensure that Bush will continue to trample over our liberties!! Remind the Democrats that their BASE, the grassroots Dems, demand that they listen to us!!!

  Filibuster Supporters-No need to call for support, but maybe call and THANK them for having a spine!

  Barbara Boxer (D- CA) , 202-224-3553
  Dianne Feinstein (D- CA) , 202-224-3841 (1,)
  Christopher J. Dodd (D- CT), 202-224-2823 (1,)
  Richard J. Durbin (D- IL) , 202-224-2152
  John F. Kerry (D- MA) , 202-224-2742
  Edward M. Kennedy (D- MA) , 202-224-4543
  Paul S. Sarbanes (D- MD), 202-224-4524
  Debbie A. Stabenow (D- MI) , 202-224-4822
  Harry Reid (D- NV) , 202-224-3542
  Hillary Rodham Clinton (D- NY) , 202-224-4451
  Charles Schumer (D- NY) , 202-224-6542
  Ron Wyden (D- OR) , 202-224-5244
  Russell D. Feingold (D- WI) , 202-224-5323

  Evil can only prevail when good people do nothing.

  "Civil disobedience becomes a sacred duty when the State becomes lawless and
  corrupt." Mahatma Gandhi

  by Kiteinthewind on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:05:29 PM PDT

  •  Bill Nelson (FL)?

    Anyone know where he stands? I emailed him on Thursday, tried to call his office on Friday but couldn't get through. Last I heard he was on board for a filibuster (in another thread here somewhere), but I don't see him on either list.

    by red state liberal on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:54:06 PM PDT

    •  Last I heard, he was 'counting' from his

      constituent phone calls. Sorry, I thought he was on my list!
      Bill Nelson (FL)
      Orlando
      Phone: [phone]
      Toll Free in Florida: 1-888-671-4091
      Fax: [phone]
      Coral Gables
      Phone: [phone] Telephone
      Fax: [phone]
      Tampa
      Phone: [phone]
      Fax: [phone]
      West Palm Beach
      Phone: [phone]
      Fax: [phone]
      Tallahassee
      Phone: [phone]
      Fax: [phone]
      Jacksonville
      Phone: [phone]
      Fax: [phone]
      Davie
      Phone: [phone]
      Fax: [phone]
      Fort Myers
      Phone: [phone]
      Fax: [phone]

      Hope this helps!!

      by Kiteinthewind on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 08:06:52 PM PDT

•  Need e-mail and blast fax lists, please

  I am a lurker here, mostly, but committed and rabid, so excuse me if I am posting outside of protocol.  Since all voice mailboxes are full and lots of faxes aren't going through, is there a good reason for not e-mailing?  And is there a good master list for e-mail addresses (come  on, one of you must have it) rather than filling out the entire, infermal form on twenty-plus websites? Also, I just sent a blast fax via savethecourt.org, but it includes some names that we now know have shifted into our column.  Does anyone have a blast fax link that is more updated?  Thanks to all.  And the senator is right.  You NEVER lose by doing the right thing, in any area of your life.  

  by mindoca on Sat Jan 28, 2006 at 03:06:21 PM PDT

  •  this was lifted from another thread....but sharing

    is caring......

    from www.senate.gov

     Senators of the 109th Congress
    What is a class?
    Akaka, Daniel K.- (D - HI)    Class I
    141 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    E-mail: [e-mail]
    Alexander, Lamar- (R - TN)    Class II
    302 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: alexander.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home
    Allard, Wayne- (R - CO)    Class II
    521 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: allard.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home
    Allen, George- (R - VA)    Class I
    204 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: allen.senate.gov/index.cfm?c=email
    Baucus, Max- (D - MT)    Class II
    511 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: baucus.senate.gov/contact/emailForm.cfm?subj=issue
    Bayh, Evan- (D - IN)    Class III
    463 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: bayh.senate.gov/WebMail1.htm
    Bennett, Robert F.- (R - UT)    Class III
    431 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: bennett.senate.gov/contact/emailmain.html
    Biden, Joseph R., Jr.- (D - DE)    Class II
    201 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    E-mail: [e-mail]
    Bingaman, Jeff- (D - NM)    Class I
    703 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    E-mail: [e-mail]
    Bond, Christopher S.- (R - MO)    Class III
    274 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: bond.senate.gov/contact/contactme.cfm
    Boxer, Barbara- (D - CA)    Class III
    112 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: boxer.senate.gov/contact
    Brownback, Sam- (R - KS)    Class III
    303 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: brownback.senate.gov/CMEmailMe.cfm
    Bunning, Jim- (R - KY)    Class III
    316 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: bunning.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Email
    Burns, Conrad- (R - MT)    Class I
    187 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: burns.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Home.Contact
    Burr, Richard- (R - NC)    Class III
    217 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: burr.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home
    Byrd, Robert C.- (D - WV)    Class I
    311 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: byrd.senate.gov/byrd_email.html
    Cantwell, Maria- (D - WA)    Class I
    717 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: cantwell.senate.gov/contact/index.html
    Carper, Thomas R.- (D - DE)    Class I
    513 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: carper.senate.gov/aemail.htm
    Chafee, Lincoln- (R - RI)    Class I
    141A RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: chafee.senate.gov/webform.htm
    Chambliss, Saxby- (R - GA)    Class II
    416 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: chambliss.senate.gov/Contact/default.cfm?pagemode=1
    Clinton, Hillary Rodham- (D - NY)    Class I
    476 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: clinton.senate.gov/contact
    Coburn, Tom- (R - OK)    Class III
    172 RUSSELL SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: coburn.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.Home
    Cochran, Thad- (R - MS)    Class II
    113 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: cochran.senate.gov/contact.htm
    Coleman, Norm- (R - MN)    Class II
    320 HART SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: coleman.senate.gov/index.cfm?FuseAction=Contact.ContactForm
    Collins, Susan M.- (R - ME)    Class II
    461 DIRKSEN SENATE OFFICE BUILDING WASHINGTON DC 20510
    [phone]
    Web Form: collins.senate.gov/public/continue.cfm?FuseAction=Contact...
    C