[savedbygrace]

The reason I disagree is this: As soon as it becomes clear that the Repubs have 50 + 1 (Cheney) sure votes against the filibustering, the Dims will call the Alito filibuster off, and Alito will sail through.

Until that time, some of the Dims will continue to threaten it.

[davidosborne]

The dems would need 40 VOTES to Fillibuster, and without ALL seven of the GOP gang on board they don't have it..

[Cboldt]

As soon as it becomes clear that the Repubs have 50 + 1 (Cheney) sure votes against the filibustering, the Dims will call the Alito filibuster off, and Alito will sail through.
Until that time, some of the Dims will continue to threaten it.

Yup. I think the gang of 14 will cover the threat, that is, they will not blow the cover that a filibuster will not stand. The Senators like the attention that uncertainty brings.

But there will not be an abuse of cloture, if a cloture motion is filed for the confirmation vote of Alito.

There was NO cloture motion filed for the confirmation vote of Chief Justice Roberts.

Senate Roll Call Votes <- Mash here