If you want a *talking filibuster*, make the phone call tomorrow (Wednesday 1/23/13).

[alberg]

Harry Reid:
[phone]

Possible holdouts

Baucus Max MT D [phone]
Boxer Barbara CA D [phone]
Feinstein Dianne CA D [phone]
Heitkamp Heidi ND D [phone]
Hirono Mazie HI D [phone]
Leahy Patrick VT D [phone]
Reed Jack RI D [phone]

Also, and most important, call your own State Senators.

Changing the rule to require a "talking filibuster" is the right choice. It would be the right choice even if we were the minority.

This is about preventing the minority party from paralyzing the Senate. A "talking filibuster" preserves the ability of the minority party to hold up legislation if the minority party believes strongly enough that it is worth the fight. What it also prevents is the ability a few Senators from blocking the will of the majority by merely sending an email expressing disapproval.

In the history of the Senate, the "talking filibuster" was the tradition until recent years. We need to go back to it.

[Atticus]

1. The Udall-Merkley-Harkin bill is the "talking filibuster" bill. nt

[alberg]

2. What I get from the news is that almost all the Democratic Senators

want the talking filibuster, except for a few holdouts ,but that Reid is still looking for a compromise with the Republicans that would water down the rules change. Both of my State Senators have come out for the Talking Filibuster - one was on the fence until the last few days. I know all the Senators are getting a'lot of calls on this. If we can get enough calls in the next 24 hours it may provide the tipping point we need in the negotiations and compel Harry Reid to go for it. At least I hope so.

[patrice]

3. K&R

[alberg]

4. Thanks. It would be great if we could get this post kicked throughout tomorrow

and get some significant phone activity during the day.

[patrice]

5. Will do & feedback call notes. Journalling this. nt

[alberg]

6. Thanks. Maybe you could post something similar as a reminder to folks.

[patrice]

7. I posted all the info to FaceBook yesterday. Do you know if the vote has occured yet?