Now that Reid has limited filibuster reform to only regulatory appointments, he has already lost the long – and bigger – game. Whether he wins or loses this narrow reform, he and the Dems will have shot their wad and there will be little if any enthusiasm to institute filibuster reforms for judicial appointments or legislation. I don’t see filibuster reform being put forward by the Dem leadership for the foreseeable future after this, win or lose.
Regulators come and go, unlike judges appointed for life or legislation. So if Reid actually does change the rule for the regulatory appointments, it will be just another Pyrrhic victory brought to you by the Democrats. The Republicans likely know this. Sure, they’ll put up a stink, but they know where it really counts for the long-term – judges and laws – they win no matter what.