CNN and the AP are both reporting that a group of Democrates and Republicans are trying to work out a deal. The deal would allow ALL extremist judges to be confirmed by the majority party.
The only disputed judge that would be blocked would be William Myers. Henry Saad would also not be voted on, but that does not matter because he would not be confirmed anyway, because of background problems.
As Armando said in his front paige diary we should not accept a deal that allows extremists Janette Rogers Brown and Priscilla Owen to be confirmed.
More below
"One area under discussion involved which of Bush's nominees would be cleared for confirmation and which would continue to be held up. Under discussion when the day began was a plan to allow final votes on Owen, California Supreme Court Justice Janice Rogers Brown and former Alabama Attorney General William H. Pryor, as well as Michigan nominees Susan Neilson, Richard Griffin and David McKeague."
"The nominations of William G. Myers and Henry Saad would remain stuck."
"Warner, R-Va., and Byrd, D-W.Va., are trying to craft language on another part involving an exchange of "good faith" pledges by lawmakers. Democrats would agree not to filibuster future appeals court or Supreme Court nominees except in extraordinary cases. Republicans would agree not to support any changes in the filibuster procedures, although it was unclear what circumstances, if any, would permit them to change their minds."
http://apnews.myway.com/article/20050520/D8A6SR983.html
This deal is terrible; how can we make this deal, but say that we reserve the right to block Supreme Court nomination in "extreme circumstances" if we do not continue to block Owens and Brown when it is an extreme circumstance. You do not get more extreme than Brown and Owen.
This is the 9th hour and a "deal" is not bad if it is the right deal. I have it on good information that Senator Specter thinks Priscilla Owen is "not qualified" and should be blocked. He is apparently not that supportive of Brown either.
Why can't Harry Reid get Ben Nelson, Robert Byrd, Joe Lieberman, Ken Salazar et. al. to make a deal that makes sense.
We have Specter, Warner, McCain, Snowe, Collins and Chafee who would probably sign on to the right deal, which is block Owen and Brown, but let the rest through.
If you agree with me, please call the deal makers and ask them to make the deal that we can all live with and to reject the horrible deal that AP and CNN are reporting.
Harry Reid, Nevada (everyone call)
(202) 224-3542
Joeseph Lieberman, Connecticut
(202) 224-4041
Blanche Lincoln, Arkansas
(202) 224-4843
Ben Nelson, Nebraska
(202) 224-6551
Mark Pryor, Arkansas
(202) 224-2353
Ken Salazar, Colorado
(202) 224-5852
Robert Byrd, West Virginia
(202) 224-3954
Also please call your local Democratic Senator and say no to this deal as well. This current deal is WORSE than the nuclear option. We need to take the bull by the horns and get something done. People power folks.