John3 posted a diary today (
Those Salivating Liberals) about Donald Wildmon and the American Family Association sending and e-mail alert that says the Senate will vote on judicial filibusters (the "nuclear option") in the next few days. We received a call from the Sierra Club today urging us to tell our Senator our views on the filibuster rule.
We were surprised by the bankruptcy bill. Let's not be surprised here.
The filibuster ruling won't appear on the legislative calendar as such -- it will be raised in the course of discussing a judical nomination. Here is my understanding of how this plays out. Those more knowledgable, please correct as necessary.
The presiding officer, VP Cheney, will be asked whether Senate Rule 22, which requires 60 votes to end debate, applies in the case of judicial nominations. Cheney will say: No, the Constitution specifically calls out the advise and consent role for judicial nominations, and therefore the rule does not apply. Then, his ruling will be challenged. If the challenge does not get 51 votes, the filibuster on judicial nominations will be discarded onto the ash heap of history.
Unlike (say) the bankruptcy bill, this vote offers no opportunities for gamesmanship. No 'vote for the amendment, but then vote for cloture' opportunity. Senators who vote to support the Cheney ruling are giving the GOP carte blanche on federal court judges.
If your Senator is 'in play' on this, contact his or her office.