[Physicist]

They still need 60 votes to break the filibuster, even if the Democrats go. They still need 51 votes for the nuclear option, and they don't have them.

[Terry Mross]

The republicans need to grow a pair and kick the republicans who vote against a rule change off their committees. Then let them go home and explain to their consitutients why they're not bringing home the bacon. Either that or simply give the rats back the majority.

[Mudboy Slim]

"They still need 51 votes for the nuclear option, and they don't have them."

Do we have a listing of the DirtyDozen RINOS who refuse to go nuclear?! They oughtta be exposed and targeted fer a major ration of $#!+ from their constituents, imho...MUD

[Congressman Billybob]

NO! The nuclear option does NOT require 51 Senators. It only requires a "majority of the Senators present and voting" to uphold the ruling of the Chair that the filibuster cannot be applied to judicial confirmations.

As long as a quorum is present (which is 50 Senators minimum), then a majority vote, even 26-25 assuming the Senators tie at 25 and Cheney casts the deciding vote, and the deed is done. The planning has to be VERY precise, but the best opportunity will be late on Friday or early Saturday morning when four Democratic Senators are on their way to Iowa and cannot back out of that trip.

Congressman Billybob

Latest column, " 'Preserving' the Constitution by Spitting on It," discussion thread. IF YOU WANT A FREEPER IN CONGRESS, CLICK HERE.

[pepperhead]

Hmmm...... If there isn't 100 senators in the chamber wouldn't the number then be less than 60?