[killbuckner]

I am talking about under the current senate rules. I don't think that they have to amend them to get Estrada passed. I really don't think that all that many dems would be willing to stand up for 8 hours straight opposing estrada. I think that 20 is a worst case scenario. Even if they averaged 8 hours Estrada would be assured a vote in 2 weeks if the republicans are willing to have enough members in the senate that entire time. Actually- I don't think that it would take nearly that long because if we just didn't allow adjournment after a day like today, most of the dems who are adamantly against estrada have already spoken at least once so that would be half of their allotted time. Because there are no amendments possible it would be inevitable that Estrada got a vote and moderate dems would want no part of standing up and holding up debate ESPECIALLY IF THERE IS A WAR ON. The big weakness the dems have on this is that there are only a few that are truly passionate about taking a stand this time. Its time to take advantage of that

[William McKinley]

I don't disagree with you- the only reason to do this slowly is if we think there is political advantage in doing it slowly, which is why on the other thread (don't know if you were there or not) I was saying that I am in no hurry as long as 1) national security is being taken care of, and 2) the political damage is being done to them and not us.

The whole tangent about modifying the rules was in case it came down to a problem with Republicans having 50 present 24/7 while Democrats rotated just a handful to keep the filibuster going while wearing us down. There are options.