We Will Have Filibuster Reform!

[kpete]

November 30, 2012 11:59 AM
Odds Improving on Filibuster Reform
By Ed Kilgore

When you go through the list of holdouts, however, the number likely to buck Reid (who has himself reversed his position since the 2011 vote on a very similar Udall/Merkely/Harkin measure) begins to shrink. John Kerry, who has additional reasons to be a team player right now, is “leaning heavily” towards support. Jay Rockefeller says he’d prefer “radical over nothing.” Daniel Inouye’s doubts are only about the “talking filibuster” ban (entirely legitimate doubts, as Jonathan Bernstein keeps pointing out). Diane Feinstein is similarly on board a ban on filibustering motions to proceed. Bill Nelson doesn’t like the “constitutional option,” but says “I’m supporting Harry Reid.” Max Baucus and Jack Reed seem entirely neutral at this point, which makes it unlikely they’d buck Reid and the Caucus and kill reform.

That leaves two Senate Democrats who voted against the 2011 bill and haven’t said anything indicating a change of position: Carl Levin and Mark Pryor. If they and Donnelly wind up being the only holdouts, then Reid would comfortably have the votes without any concessions to bring a Republican or two on board. And you’d figure Levin might be susceptible to some back-home Blue State pressure if push comes to shove.

MORE:
http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/political-animal-a/2012_11/odds_improving_on_filibuster_r041499.php?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+washingtonmonthly%2Frss+%28Political+Animal+at+Washington+Monthly%29

[kentuck]

1. the timing is important

the best time would be when they are totally preoccupied with the fiscal cliff.

[fredamae]

2. In March of 1975 We were robbed

of the opportunity to hear the rationale, facts, conclusions/reasoning behind our lawmakers decisions to support or oppose any given legislation. Sens Merkley and Udall seek to Restore the rules to its origins--and thusly restoring Our opportunities to be more informed about issues/legislation affecting our lives. When this happens, those of us who Want to be more engaged in "The Peoples Government" will have the opportunity to Know Who Objects/Why they object, When they object and certainly What they object. We are, under current rules Denied this information--oft times denied the very idenity of Who is doing it.

Why the lawmakers leave the actual beneficiaries to these changes Out of the conversation and Out of consideration for action(s) demonstrates we are Often forgotten by our reps on Both sides of the aisle. It is up to us to let them All understand this is Unacceptable and We will have our seat at the table as we/if we choose to particupate.
http://www.core-online.org/News/filibuster/filibuster3.htm

[Kaleva]

3. I've called and e-mailed Sen. Levin's D.C. office

http://www.democraticunderground.com/1058513

Everyone who is a resident of Michigan ought to do the same IMO.

[Wounded Bear]

4. Go Harry!

Get 'er done!