[Ol' Sparky]

I don't know why it's so difficult for so many around here to comprehend. I won't go so far as to declare this as a victory for the GOP (that remains to be seen, IMHO), but tactically they gave up nothing in exchange for a few concessions.

Your premise assumes at least two of the RINOs will end up voting to invoke the nuclear option when the Democrats try to filibuster the next Bush judicial nominee. I don't have as much confidence in any of these seven turncoats as you do apparently.

[Lancey Howard]

Not only have Graham and DeWine said that they will not play games on filibusters if the Democrats get silly, but even Susan Collins has indicated that she is getting impatient. I also believe that Warner could flip if the rats get stupid. (Sure, Chafee, Snowe and McCrazy are hopeless scumbags, but that's a given.) Basically, I believe that (at least) two additional votes will be there to provide a winning margin if the time comes to nuke. Now that the rats have walked into the trap and provided cover for blue state GOP Senators, the likelihood of a successful nuke is vastly improved.

Regards,
LH

[Coop]

Yes, my premise includes two votes, but it also includes the Dems going through with this.