From The Rocky Mountain News:
Colorado Democratic Sen. Ken Salazar said today he won’t be part of any possible Democratic filibuster to stop a vote on the confirmation of Samuel Alito as a member of the U.S. Supreme Court.
“I do not intend to join in any filibuster against a vote on Judge Alito,” Salazar said in a telephone news conference.
In his view, Alito’s nomination is “not filibusterable” due to his stellar academic record and support of his colleagues on the appeals court. Still, Salazar has said he would vote against Alito, especially due to his history of decisions favoring a strong executive branch.
Asked about prospects of a filibuster attempt by other Democrats, Salazar said, “I don’t know whether that will happen. That’s not in my hands.” Salazar said the Senate would vote on Alito and then “we’ll go on to other issues that are important to our country.”
Give Salazar credit for one thing: he invented a new word — “filibusterable.”
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What? Ken not standing up and fighting?
Gee, I’m stunned. Not.
I think we need to start sending Calcium supplements to our legislators so they can grow some backbone.
Just because you think something might fail is not the reason to avoid trying.
It’s called ‘making a statement’.
There’s also such a thing as keeping your word, Douglas. Salazar promised during the campaign to allow an up or down vote on key nominees. He doesn’t have to vote for alito and says he won’t. But engaging in the undemocratic procedure of the filibuster, a frequent tool of racist demagogues in the infamous history of the Senate in the Bilbo/Talmadge/Richard Russell era is an insult to the constitution and would be a betrayal of his promises. Good for Ken, he kept his word. Maybe some other politicians should try it. Contrast that to Tom Tancredo who pledged to quit after three terms and flat-out lied . he’s now serving his fourth.
Oh, that undemocratic procedure! It’s so unfair compared to those Republican holds back in the Clinton days! And if those nasty Democrats try to use it the Republicans will teach them by breaking the Senate rule; that’ll show them democracy in action!
This isn’t a surprising announcement from Ken, sadly enough. Doesn’t mean I’m not going to call his office again tomorrow and express my hope that he change his mind and stand up to prevent the most Constitution-trampling nomination this country has seen since FDR’s court-packing stunt.
I hope you do call Salazar and demand that he filibuster, PR. It will keep you occupied at a futile quest and thus reduce the chance that you might actually work in an area where you could have an impact.