Last I heard, the vote for cloture on the compromise bill was 10:30 or 11:30 EDT this morning. Assuming the Dems hold together as a block, they'd need 15 Republicans to get to cloture. Even if all the usual suspects vote for cloture (i.e. Specter, Chaffee, Snow, Collins, Chaffee, Graham, McCain) they'd still need another 8. Hagel and Menendez will vote for cloture since it's their compromise bill, so that brings it to 6. Frist will be interesting to watch - he has to know that a "yes" vote dooms any chance he has at the nomination. Have you heard of any other Pubbies in support yet? Interesting that it hasn't been breathlessly reported that the votes needed have been reached.
(Denny Crane: "I Don't Want To Socialize With A Pinko Liberal Democrat Commie. Say What You Like About Republicans. We Stick To Our Convictions. Even When We Know We're Dead Wrong.")
Even if all the usual suspects vote for cloture (i.e. Specter, Chaffee, Snow, Collins, Chaffee, Graham, McCain) they'd still need another 8. Hagel and Menendez will vote for cloture since it's their compromise bill, so that brings it to 6. Frist will be interesting to watch - he has to know that a "yes" vote dooms any chance he has at the nomination.
Have you heard of any other Pubbies in support yet? Interesting that it hasn't been breathlessly reported that the votes needed have been reached. "
FYI the vote for cloture was defeated 39 for 60 against. All Republicans voted nay and 3 democrats voted nay the rest voted yea. The Dems were Conrad and Dorgan from North Dakota and Byrd from West Virginia.
I would say the Pubbies must have called in for their messages.
Keep the pressure on until you hear they are adjourning.
:)Easy Does It:)
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