On Filibuster Reform, Advocates Claim Momentum

[brooklynite]

Source: Huffington Post

WASHINGTON -- The Senate postponed debate on reforming the filibuster Thursday, as advocates cited the support of 48 senators for eliminating the silent filibuster using the so-called constitutional option, a measure that requires 50 votes plus that of the vice president.

During a briefing on Capitol Hill, Sens. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) and Tom Udall (D-N.M.) updated reporters on their joint effort, which is also being shepherded by Sen. Tom Harkin (D-Iowa).

The remaining seven within the Democratic caucus who have yet to sign on are Sen. Carl Levin (D-Mich.), Sen. Mark Pryor (D-Ark.), Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-Vt.). Sen. Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Sen. Jack Reed (D-R.I.), Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.) and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), a source familiar with the whip count told The Huffington Post.

...snip...

“I believe we have 51 votes to utilize the constitution and go forward with rules change,” Udall said, implying that enough of the remaining seven would swing their way to push them over the top. If the chamber was deadlocked at 50-50, Vice President Joe Biden, who supports filibuster reform, would break the tie.

Read more: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/01/03/filibuster-reform-senate_n_2405008.html

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I've told my contacts at DSCC that my checkbook is closed to anyone who doesn't support filibuster reform.

[PoliticAverse]

1. Levin, Pryor, Leahy, Baucus, Reed, Boxer, Feinstein vs. real filibusters returning. n/t

[xxxsdesdexxx]

2. I have emailed my Senators once again to let them know how important it is to join Senator Merkley

and other Democratic senators in implementing the "Talking" filibuster. I cannot believe that they aren't yet on board. I've emailed them both at least 5 times letting them know how important this issue is. I'm tempted to actually call them.

[PoliticAverse]

3. Are your senators among the 7 holdouts ? n/t

[xxxsdesdexxx]

4. Yes, I'm from California and my senators are Boxer and Feinstein.

They need to get their shit together and back the "Talking" filibuster.