pulling the trigger on the nuclear option

They are pulling out the cots and preparing for an all night debate at the US Senate over the President's judicial nominations, according to the Associated Press. Over at Captain's Quarters , he reports on the continued waffling of some Republican senators who are preparing for life in the minority by trying to preserve the filibuster of a president's nominees. The latest waffler, according to the Captain, is Senator Mike Dewine (R-OH).

Meanwhile, MSNBC is also reporting,

...an array of conservative leaders in Iowa, which holds its first-in-the-nation presidential caucuses in 2008, warned Republican presidential contenders that they must support Frist’s move to end filibusters of nominees.

“We are concerned about the two potential (presidential) candidates, Senator McCain , and from our neighboring state of Nebraska, Senator Hagel, who have so far refused to support an up or down vote," the group said.

I would contend it isn't just the "no" voters who should be remembered in 2008. It is also any Republican Senator that sought a compromise with the Democrats that included any of the President's nominees being brought to the floor of the US Senate. And if the vote to end the filibusters fails, then Senator Frist should also be held accountable for failing to lead a 56 member majority to prevail on a question second only in importance to the War on Terror.

By this time tomorrow we may well know whether Texas Supreme Court Justice Pricilla Owen will receive her long delayed confirmation vote on the floor of the US Senate. If the Democrats continue to play politics, if they continue to pander to their base and play the obstructionists and attempt to continue to filibuster this Appeals Court nomination, then its time for the "nuclear option" and end the filibuster for judicial nominations.