I get the feeling that those Senators claiming to not be Shumer's bitch, are only doing so for show. They are probably up for re-lection in the midterms and want to be seen as independent. They will most likely vote in lock-step, as usual.
Just a theory. Never EVER believe a democrat.
Bagster
“Never EVER believe a democrat.”
Their problem is, if all of their bloviating is just a screen, is that the vote to confirm Kavanaugh will take place before the November election, so if these feckless turds think that saying one thing now and doing something else when it comes to the vote will save them from loosing their seats, they are in la-la land. Personally I think Manchin will either switch Parties or loose, and now that he has a GOP opponent, it’s past time for the switch. I also think that Tester (MT) is a dead duck.