Senate GOP Seeks to Get Rid of Filibusters

The GOP is going into dangerous territory by trying to change the Senate rules so as to avoid filibusters. This long held tradition is a vital tool for checks and balance within the Senate itself. The Democrats have held up 10 out of more than 200 judicial nominations. This is far less then the Republicans help up during the Clinton administration. If the majority party is allowed to run roughshod over the minority, it can only lead to even more partisan divide within the government. It would be wise for the Republicans not to change this rule. What goes around, comes around. The Republicans will not always have control of the Senate and if they cannot show civility now, it will come back to bite them in the ass. In a time when Republicans control the Congress and the White House, true leadership is not only shown by exercising their power, but also knowing when to use restraint.

By JIM ABRAMS, Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON - Senate Republicans are preparing to bring out the heavy weapons against the filibuster, a Senate tradition that has its linguistic origins in the pirates who once captured ships and held their crews for ransom.

Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist, R-Tenn., says "tyranny by the minority" must end and he will do whatever it takes. That includes what some call the "nuclear option" to stop Democrats from using the filibuster to block President Bush's judicial nominees.

The issue could cause a major rift in the new Congress that convenes next month.

Republicans insist that use of the filibuster to prevent votes on 10 judicial nominees in the last Congress was unprecedented and unconstitutional. Democrats say they will resist any attempt to eliminate what they say is a legitimate right of the minority that they have used judiciously. (Full Story)