ConfirmThem

By AndrewHyman Posted in Senate Rules — Comments () / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Senate Majority Leader Frist has just sent a letter to Minority Leader Reid, responding to Reid's letter, and promising to go the extra mile to avoid a confrontation:

"When we return after the Easter recess, I will offer a proposal that takes account of complaints both parties have had with the confirmation process," Mr. Frist wrote. "It will protect the Constitution, validate our duties as senators, and restore fairness to a process gone awry."

If a confrontation does happen, winning it would be a huge political plus for the GOP, and any government shutdown could only be a big minus for the Democrats. However, even if the consequences were hypothetically reversed, still the GOP would be obliged to do the right thing, and not allow the Democrats to rewrite Senate rules and tradition so that a minority can reject whatever nominees it chooses.