Senate Compromise on Judicial Confirmations Under Fire

Strategic Insights -

A delicate compromise reached by a bipartisan group of senators is under pressure from Republican leaders and conservative groups who want to disarm the power of the Democratic minority to block votes on judicial nominees. Senator Bill Frist, the majority leader, has found himself at odds with some of his fellow Republicans, including Senators Lindsey Graham and Mike DeWine, who provided the last votes needed to make the compromise come together. The compromise, which includes a provision allowing Democrats to block judicial nominees in "extraordinary circumstances," has been met with skepticism from social conservatives, who are directing special outrage at the two Republicans.

Key Takeaways:

  • The compromise reached by a bipartisan group of senators allows Democrats to block judicial nominees in "extraordinary circumstances."
  • Senator Bill Frist has found a new tool for interpreting the compromise: a Magic 8 Ball, which he used to mock the provision.
  • Conservative groups and members of the Republican caucus are pressing Dr. Frist to revive the fight over the confirmation rules as soon as possible.
  • Social conservatives have directed special outrage at Senators Lindsey Graham and Mike DeWine, who provided the last votes needed to make the compromise come together.
  • Dr. Frist has warned that if the Democrats once again filibuster judges, Republicans "will not hesitate" to change the rules to stop them.
  • The battle over judicial confirmations has become a test of Senator Frist's credibility with the party's social conservative base.
  • If Dr. Frist and the Republican leadership accept the compromise, they will invite the contempt of the people who sent them here with a conservative mandate, according to Patrick J. Buchanan.

Statistics:

  • 55: The number of members in the Republican majority in the Senate.
  • 50: The number of votes needed to change the confirmation rules.
  • 2: The number of Republicans from relatively conservative states who provided the last votes needed to make the compromise come together: Senators Lindsey Graham and Mike DeWine.
  • 1: The number of Supreme Court vacancy expected when the court finishes its term at the end of next month.
  • June: The end of the month when the Senate could be back at the brink of confrontation if both sides follow through.

Sources:

  • "Senators Agree on Plan to End Judicial Blockades, With a Caveat" by David M. Halbfinger, The New York Times, May 7, 2005.
  • "Democrats View Senate Deal on Judges as a Failure" by Sheryl Gay Stolberg, The New York Times, May 3, 2005.
  • "A Look Back: May-June 2005" by The Washington Post, May 15, 2005.