Update on the "nuclear option" - filibuster

[housewolf]

From today's "The Hill" email newsletter (no direct link)
www.TheHill.com


Frist's plan
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) is not expected to deploy the so-called “nuclear option” to break the Democratic filibuster of judicial nominees in April. Democratic aides had been predicting GOP action this month on the tactic, whereby the GOP Senate majority would have the filibuster ruled unconstitutional on a parliamentary ruling upheld by a simple majority. But a Frist aide said Frist never had plans to exercise the option immediately. Frist is trying to clear a supplemental appropriations bill while attempting to pass a budget resolution. In the meantime, Frist continues to work on a possible compromise plan that would secure votes on judges but in a fashion that would be less disruptive to the Senate. Business groups have been urging Frist not to exercise the nuclear option, while socially conservative groups are pushing for action by Memorial Day.

Nelson's side
Sen. Ben Nelson (D-Neb.), in an interview with The Hill Thursday, discounted a recent report by Fox News that Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-Tenn.) will offer Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) a compromise he forged with Nelson on the nuclear option. Nelson said that he has spoken with Frist about possible compromises to avoid triggering the nuclear option but that Frist has remained noncommittal. Nelson said that Frist has called some of his ideas interesting but hasn't given him any firmer feedback. A Frist aide said the majority leader is listening to proposals from many interested parties as he puts together a compromise to offer Reid.

[autorank]

1. Ben Nelson is our Aaron Burr (without the the macho aura)