The Alito 48

[Coexist]

http://www.democrats.com/alito-48

A good tally board. They are concentrating on the Republicans NOT getting the cloture votes.

Surely, Byrd and Landrieu have pressing business (mine safety and hurricane recovery) in their home states that might keep them from getting back to D.C. until Tuesday.

[GrpCaptMandrake]

1. A very good point coming from a different direction

Byrd and Landrieu each think they have bi-partisan support for pressing issues: Byrd and MSHA, Landrieu and Katrina/FEMA.

I can well imagine some filthy Repig senator quietly whispering to each of them "You wanna get this done? Better vote for Alito, or you can forget it."

There's noting more sickening than "leaders" who capitulate to threats and arm-twisting!

[Coexist]

4. but both those issued can bite the Republicans in the ass

if they vote against them. Who doesn't want mine safety and a rebuilt south?

[GrpCaptMandrake]

5. That's the sane response

We're not dealing with sane people.

Repigs don't want safe mines b/c mine safety costs money. The simple tracking devices are in use the world over, and yet American mine companies like ICG resist using them because they "cost too much" ($20/miner).

And they don't give a tinker's dam about the Gulf Coast. Remember what Hastert said? New Orleans should be bulldozed?

It's not a question of what the Repigs want, it's a question of what leverage they can bring to bear on their enemies. Promises are made to be broken, where Repigs are concerned.

[Avalux]

2. Yes - that's it! They'll just be absent, and won't vote.

I now see the genius (I HOPE) of what they're doing. Even if some aren't supporting a filibuster, doesn't mean they'll vote for cloture. :D

[TahitiNut]

3. Saxby Chambless is in Davos, as well. That's one less cloture vote.