Plenty of Democrats have been calling for filibuster reform for months, even years. But THEIR TALK HASNT TURNED INTO MUCH ACTION. Some Democrats bristled when asked if they thought their party had enough spine to follow through on a rules change. Thats an interesting suggestion, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) replied, with slight agitation. The only reason it didnt happen before was an agreement was reached with Republicans. Weve apparently reached the limit of that agreement, he added. Its time to changes the rules for nominees. Im in favor of changing filibuster rules for everything, said Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), adding that he would be ecstatic if Democrats revamped filibuster rules before he retires next year. Ive been wanting to change the rules for 17 years. Sen. Joe Manchin (D-W.Va.) said hes open to the idea of filibuster reform for nominees, saying he sympathizes with Obama on the issue, given his own experience as a governor and an executive. You have to get your team together, Manchin said. Asked why he thinks some of his colleagues remain reluctant to support changes, he shrugged. The easiest vote up here is the status quo and to vote no on everything, I guess, he said. But youve got to have movement. AT LEAST ONE DEMOCRAT IS STILL FIRMLY OPPOSED TO USING THE NUCLEAR OPTION. SEN. CARL LEVIN (D-Mich.) said hes fine with a rules change, but only through standard procedure -- with a two-thirds vote, not a simple majority. I dont favor using the nuclear option, which violates the rules, to change the rules, Levin said. I think the complications are so severe for a whole lot of causes. Meanwhile, two other Democrats, SENS. MAX BAUCUS (Mont.) and CLAIRE MCCASKILL (Mo.), said they had no comment on the matter and walked away. But asked if the recent filibusters of Obamas D.C. Circuit nominees have worn down her support for preserving the current rules, McCaskill suggested they have. A lot of things wear on me around here, she said over her shoulder. Thats certainly one of them.
Posted on: Wed, 20 Nov 2013 00:00:32 +0000
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