Posted on 10/31/2005 4:42:13 AM PST by Hadean
The so-called Gang of 14 senators who brokered a deal on federal judicial nominees in May will meet again today and discuss the Supreme Court vacancy.
But they will neither seek a leadership role on this issue yet nor expand their interest beyond judges, a key member of the group said yesterday.
“We are not trying to emerge as a force or usurp leadership,” Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) said at The Hill’s Policy and Politics breakfast. “Most senators are glad we averted [a filibuster] by coming together.”
McCain commended the White House for reaching out to both sides of the aisle to try to avoid partisan fighting about the upcoming nomination of a successor to Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. He said a smooth confirmation for the nominee would benefit Congress as well as the White House.
But he hinted that the Gang of 14 remained ready in place if partisanship among pressure groups infected the Senate debate. Constituents “are getting very weary about us fighting each other all the time,” McCain said, adding that the “far right and far left cranked up their propaganda machines” the moment that O’Connor announced her retirement from the Supreme Court on July 1.
After seven Democrats and seven Republicans made their deal in May to prevent both the “nuclear option” and a filibuster, political observers speculated that the Gang could operate over a wide legislative front.
McCain’s remarks yesterday set aside those of fellow Gang member Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who told Chris Matthews in a May 23 interview, “Watch this group of 14 to come out with some deal for Social Security.” McCain yesterday said he did not expect any movement on Social Security during this Congress.
Tom Gavin, a spokesman for Sen. Robert Byrd (D-W.Va.), said that the group will probably discuss the impending Supreme Court nomination today but that there was no set agenda.
Rodell Mollineau, spokesman for Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), said the senators will “talk about the O’Connor vacancy, to make sure everyone is on the same page.”
Mollineau and Gavin added that there are no current plans to talk about Social Security.
When asked about Social Security, McCain said that in hindsight Congress should have emphasized the problem facing the institution rather than private accounts, which polarized the issue.
Given that the requirement of no Conservative Southern Protestants are allowed to be on SCOTUS, they will be no filibuster.
This is McCain's second test.
If he really wants to be president, he'll back the F$%^ off.
In my opinion, he's already squandered it though. But he can still prove that he at least wants it. But we've worked too hard for this.
I agree. If McCain doesn't stick with GW on this, he can kiss any hope of being the Republican nominee goodbye.
Will be interesting to see what the gang does with Alito.
For those wanting to punch the dems in the nose, I think Alito should do the trick. I think this will nomination will start some real mud slinging.
John McCain doesnt want to usurp power-Bwahahaahaaha.
Thats a good one..
If he gets to be President, he will get it without my vote.
Hairy A. Reid told the president that he better not pick Alito. The Rats have already started ranting and raving like the bunch of spoiled brats that they are.
Yes, it will be interesting, as there can be no "compromise" now.
They're either going to vote for or against him, there is no middle ground.
And if the GOP had any fortitude, they would ignore the MINORITY party and what their irrelevant leaders have to say.
Sadly, Republicans have made the Minority Dems relevant.
Confirmed 99 to 0 , From shoo-in to Watch um flip-flop
I have been writing my reps for years and telling them to grow a backbone, but to no avail.
He doesn't. He wants to ride through D.C. on a donkey, while republicans lay palms before him. And declare him the annointed one. Other than that, he's not interested in power.;)
McCain is a rino who hates conservatives.
The 7 RINO thugs better get one thing straight on this new SCOTUS pick. They back him or they pack up and go home.
The could have been vice president of the Democratic Party! (think about it)...
Oh yes, and he is running for President - LOL
If he gets the nom, I won't be voting republican.
But I doubt enough people around here would let that happen. Most are rooting for guys like George Allen, which is my personal fav.
McCain should join the democrat party.
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