ConfirmThem

By AndrewHyman Comments () / Email this page » / Leave a comment »

Here's an AP report:

"Let me emphasize, the decision about how to proceed will be made by the Republican leadership in the Senate," Cheney said. "But if the Senate majority decides to move forward and if the issue is presented to me in my elected office as president of the Senate and presiding officer, I will support bringing those nominations to the floor for an up or down vote." Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., said the White House "has stepped over the line by interfering with the Senate to reduce checks and balances."

Apparently, Senator Schumer doesn't like it when he is checked and balanced. Meanwhile, Senator Smith of Oregon weighs in: "The status quo is unacceptable." David Limbaugh also weighs in, with a piece in Human Events:

With all the hype over procedural squabbles we're missing a more important point. In the end, this isn't just a struggle over Senate rules or which side is being more gentlemanly. What is at stake in this ongoing fight over judicial nominations is nothing less than the integrity of the Constitution, the independence of the judiciary, the separation of powers, and ultimately, the preservation of popular sovereignty. Democrats can talk until they're blue in the face about Republicans tinkering with the system by invoking a Senate rule change. But in the first place, it is just that: a Senate rule change, and as I said, the change is only necessary to correct the Democrats' abuses and usurpations of power.

Thomas Donohue, of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, has again advised against Democratic retaliation that might impact the business community. He said the same thing previously. He's correct that Democratic retaliation could have severe effects. Nevertheless, many Democratic Senators are on record against severe retaliation, as confirmthem reported here and here. The GOP should do what is necessary to support the Constitution, and prevent a Senate minority from usurping the nomination power. Upholding the Constitution would be in the long-term interest of the GOP, the country, and business people.

UPDATE: Senator Reid has issued a press release, regarding Cheney's remarks. Apparently, Reid believes Bush promised that Cheney would not preside over the Senate, if and when the constitutional option is implemented. It's hard to imagine that Bush would have made such a promise. Note that Cheney already stated his position, on April 16.

Incidentally, Haywood Bashman noticed that Cheney mispronounced the name of one of the nominees. :-)