NYT: Senate Democrats Speak of Slowing Confirmation Votes

[kskiska]

WASHINGTON, Jan. 24 - Trying to show that they remain a force despite their reduced numbers, Senate Democrats on Monday threatened new hurdles for President Bush's cabinet choices and expressed deep misgivings about the planned Social Security changes at the heart of this year's Republican agenda.

Senator Byron Dorgan of North Dakota said he was mulling whether to try to stall consideration of Michael O. Leavitt, Mr. Bush's choice for health secretary, unless Mr. Dorgan was guaranteed a vote on allowing importation of cheaper prescription drugs.

In addition, a growing number of Democrats are raising issues about the selection of Alberto R. Gonzales as attorney general, a nomination initially headed for quick approval.

The political problems for the nominees arose after Democrats last week blocked a quick vote on the approval of Condoleezza Rice as secretary of state. As many as a dozen Democrats intend to use the Senate floor on Tuesday as a platform to lay out their objections to Ms. Rice, tying her to what they see as the administration's mistakes in Iraq.

"The honeymoon is over and we are now in the full throes of our new marital arrangement here," said Senator Richard J. Durbin of Illinois, the Democratic whip, after he and other Democratic leaders introduced a priority list on Monday sharply at odds with that put forward by Republicans.

more…
http://nytimes.com/2005/01/25/politics/25dems.html

[nashville_brook]

1. omg! the honeymoon is over! phew -- i thought it would never end!

is it true they repukes decided not to try and change the senate rules on filibuster? seems like this was decided already -- if so, i will sleep better.

actually -- it must be so -- dems wouldn't be making these noises if they didn't *know* it was relatively safe to do so. hell, they've been acting like they don't poop w/o knowing it's relatively safe to do so.

[Gloria]

2. Stalling is the ONLY way they will be heard...so STALL away!!

eom

[FlemingsGhost]

3. LOL ... Ever see a Chihuahua growl and bark?

Close your eyes, and you would think it were a pit bull.

I can't close my eyes anymore ...

[Rose Siding]

4. This one's a no brainer, Dems

[TahitiNut]

5. CSPAN2 is going to be "must" viewing for me tomorrow morning.

:thumbsup:

[fshrink]

6. Easy guys... Don't take too much risk here!

Reframe, negotiate... You might turn away voters if you don't. You might even have to stand up like this only woman did! Of course, now that the deal is done it's a little easier, but still...

[w4rma]

7. The NYT skimmed over Gonzales as fast as they could.

I suppose it is because that is where Dems can do some real damage and big media would rather not bring attention to this subject, which is why Dems must FORCE big media to pay attention to that subject.

They should work to defeat that guy. He is dangerous to this nation.

[Dr Fate]

8. Dont just "speak of " it - DO IT. We are watching you.

n/t

[burrowowl]

9. Amen to that

:kick:

[fooj]

10. Now is the time...

to do some good, old fashioned democratic ass-kickin'!:kick:

[DeepModem Mom]

11. kick