That’s what FoxNews found when it looked to see whether a possible filibuster mentioned by Mitch McConnell had any support.
My own favorite three GOP senators — John McCain, Lindsey Graham and Lamar Alexander — all indicated a reluctance to resort to that. Which I would expect:
Republican Sen. John McCain, a sharp critic of Chuck Hagel’s nomination as defense secretary, said Monday he will not support a filibuster of President Barack Obama’s pick, even though he declined to say whether he intends to vote for confirmation.
“I do not believe a filibuster is appropriate and I would oppose such a move,” McCain told reporters Monday, two days after Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell raised the possibility of forcing a showdown vote.…
“It would be unprecedented for the Senate not to allow an up-or-down vote on a president’s Cabinet nomination, but I haven’t made any decision about a vote,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn….
Even Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., who suggested the administration re-evaluate its choice, said “filibustering is something I do very reluctantly.”…
This flummoxes a lot of people on both the left and the right, seeing it as inconsistency. Actually, McCain and Graham have often said elections have consequences, and even when they may personally not approve of a nominee, they give a certain deference to the president’s choices. (Graham has honored this more in practice than McCain has, but both have consistently given voice to the principle.)
It confuses some of my friends here on the blog, although I don’t know why. I’ve long made a habit (and used to make a living) being critical of people I voted for — including Lindsey Graham. So it makes perfect sense to me.
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Filibustering is a ridiculous process that has no benefit. It should be eliminated. Up or down votes, move things along. The fact that one Senator can gum up the works is unacceptable. A lot of times they do it just to trade favors on other bills.
Lindsey and McCain put on their show. If they now vote for Hagel, they will be exposed for what they are. You can’t be that antagonistic toward a person and then turn around and vote for him for the position.
I’m fine with filibustering, Doug, but the Senator should actually have to take the floor and talk for the duration of the filibuster, like in old times.
… when men were men, and bladders enormous…
How nice. The GOP won’t hold its breath until it turns blue before confirming one of its own. Le sigh.