Senate Democrats Speak of Slowing Confirmation Votes

[papau]

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

January 25, 2005
Senate Democrats Speak of Slowing Confirmation Votes
By CARL HULSE


ASHINGTON, 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. <snip>

[LiberalVoice]

1. Well...

so far today it hardly seems like the Dems are taking much of a stand against Condi..

Ps. Liebermann still makes me queezy when he opens his mouth.

[Lydia Leftcoast]

2. You know, compared to the Republicans, we're a bunch of wimps

The Republicans were much harsher on Clinton nominees and for more trivial reasons than most Democrats are on evil/incompetent Bush nominees.

[David__77]

3. They need to demand HOUSE compliance as well.

The senators should use their power over the house leadership as well. It's a radical break with tradition, but could work!

[Democrats_win]

4. House republicans were so rotten last year playing all kinds of

games, calling security. Yeah, delay, delay, delay. And do whatever they can to bring civility to the house too.