Byrd Warns Frist Against ‘Nuclear Option‘

[sabra]

http://www.localnewsleader.com/brocktown/stories/news-00110993.html

Byrd Warns Frist Against ‘Nuclear Option‘

WASHINGTON - Sen. Robert Byrd (, , ) of West Virginia said Monday he doesn‘t expect Democrats to filibuster the nomination of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito, but he still chastised Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist for threatening to stop any such effort through a drastic parliamentary effort that has been dubbed the "nuclear option."

"If the senator wants a fight, let him try it," said Byrd, the Senate‘s senior Democrat. "I‘m 88 years old, but I can still fight, and fight I will for freedom of speech. I haven‘t been here for 47 years to see that freedom of speech whittled away and undermined. "

Byrd insisted that Democrats have not threatened to filibuster Alito, who was chosen by President Bush as the replacement for retiring Justice Sandra Day O‘Connor Sandra Day O‘Connor. In response, Frist read from a half-dozen news stories that quoted Democrats mentioning the option, looking back at Byrd after each item.

Senate Democrats have questioned whether Alito, a federal appeals court judge, has the proper judicial temperament and ideology to replace O‘Connor. Some have said Alito‘s views on issues such as voting rights and abortion could provoke a filibuster unless he allays their concerns about his commitment to civil rights at his confirmation hearings, beginning Jan. 9.

[xchrom]

1. senator byrd rocks -- again and again and again...

:headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang: :headbang:

[Mr_Spock]

2. Burn in hell Frist...

You want a fight, be prepared for the consequences.

[AX10]

3. We are ready for a fight , Billy.

[MalachiConstant]

4. is he a tought cookie

good to see at 88 he's still fighting






postscript:

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[depakid]

5. Expects Dems to punt again, eh

Might as well remove the filibuster. Dems never use it, anyway.

I see losses ahead for 2006. Bottom line is that if they let this guy on the court- after he's shown himself to be corrupt, the Dems don't deserve to be the majority party. And they won't be- because they don't give people a reason to vote for them.

After 6 losses in a row, you'd think they'd learn that it's not enough to just "not be a Republican."

[hopein08]

6. Has a transcript of that whole thing been posted...

or the text of Byrd's speech? I saw a part of it but would like to know the rest.

[0007]

12. I'm more than sure you can find it at c-span.

[VegasWolf]

7. Guess he expects the Dem DLC'ers to cave in once again. nt

:sarcasm:

[Catch22Dem]

8. I actually want to see them do this...

Because they're dangerously close to being the party out of power. Imagine their surprise when we regain power and pack that fucking court with genuine LIBERALS. I DARE them to give us that opportunity.

[lovuian]

9. I think its definitely an empty threat...

He is just trying to keep the Dems in check!!!

[DearAbby]

10. They dont even have the backing of the American people to try it.

the polls on approval of Senate and congress are lower than the chimp's. It has to be an empty threat. But hey if they are itching for a fight....

[Seabiscuit]

11. Byrd takes Frist to the woodshed and spanks his skank ass.

(alternate title for article)

[saltpoint]

13. Byrd's an oldie but a goodie.

Frist should take note on this one. If you pick a fight, Bill, you might just get one.

My money's on the legendary senator from West Virginia.

[Andromeda]

14. Here's a big kiss for you...

Senator Byrd! XXXXXXXXXXXX :loveya: Well, (blush) that's more than one kiss but what the heck.