Call up Debbie. Show her some love.
WASHINGTON -- Republicans criticized Sen. Debbie Stabenow's support of an attempted Democratic filibuster of Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito on Friday.
Alito was expected to get more than the 60 votes needed to cut off debate on the Senate floor Monday. A final vote on the judge was likely on Tuesday.
But some Democrats, led by Massachusetts Sens. Edward Kennedy and John Kerry, were trying to block Alito's nomination through a filibuster. They were joined by Stabenow, Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Dianne Feinstein of California, Russ Feingold of Wisconsin and Dick Durbin of Illinois.
Stabenow supported the filibuster because she has "serious concerns" about Alito's record, including decisions involving pensions, reproductive health, and cases where the government used excessive force against citizens, spokeswoman Angela Benander said.
"Senator Stabenow feels very strongly that Judge Alito should not be on the Supreme Court," Benander said.
Republicans accused Stabenow of getting in the way of a qualified nominee and placing more priority on her role in Democratic leadership.
"The people of Michigan expect action and progress from their representatives, not this remarkably pathetic degree of political posturing," said state GOP chairman Saul Anuzis.
The Rev. Keith Butler, one of the Republicans hoping to challenge Stabenow this year, said Democrats were unable to mar Alito's "impeccable character" and were "desperately looking for another avenue to stop a lawful process."
Stabenow said earlier this week she would vote against Alito. She said a review of his 15-year record on the federal bench caused her concern and argued the judge has been "consistently outside the mainstream."
Some Democrats have said Alito's confirmation would move the court to the right. He would replace retiring Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was a swing vote on rulings involving abortion rights, affirmative action and the death penalty.
Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., had not reached a decision on how he would vote on an attempted filibuster, said spokeswoman Tara Andringa.
Levin said Thursday he would oppose Alito, citing concerns about the judge's ability to provide a check and balance against executive power.
What? The GOP is criticizing a Dem? Shocked! Shocked, I tell you!
Once again, those numbers are- 1-888-355-3588 or 1-888-818-6641.
Free fax to 13 Senators here. Levin is on that list. (and what the hell is up with Lautenberg? I thought for sure he would be on board...)
The media is claiming this will be a failure. The Republicans are laughing at us. Let's give them a run for their money. Sure would be fun to wipe the smirk of their smug little faces.
Never say never. And if it fails, we get back up and try again.
Make the calls. Send the faxes. At the end of the day, we can be proud that we tried to do what's right.
And when this SOB starts ruling against the people, we can remember who stood up. I have no doubt that history will be on our side.