Democrats believe in party first, rallying behind anyone with a D next to their name, regardless of the circumstances.
Republicans are the opposite, quickly throwing overboard anyone with problems, allowing the opposition and media to define what it should do.
I don't know which way is right, but we can see which party holds all the cards now.
In regards to Senator Stevens, I still question why he wished such a quick trial and with a suspect DC jury, unless he felt he was indeed innocent.
Regarding this magic number of 60, it really doesn't mean all that much for the filibuster. With the number of “Liberal” Republicans and the possibility that the Democrats could simply change the rules (55 perhaps), the number itself means little.
Federal prosecutors rarely go to trial without a slamdunk case.