Senate Republicans and Democrats broke talks of a compromise on the judicial filibuster conflict yesterday.  That's a good thing, since there's no doubt that any deal Harry Reid proposed would block a number of the current filibustered judges.  The last offer the Democrats proposed to the Republicans would have sent five judges to the floor - Richard Griffin, David McKeague, Susan Nielsen, William Pryor, and Janice Rogers Brown - while the remaining three - Henry Saad, William Myers, and Priscilla Owen - would continue to be blocked.

There are simply some things you can't compromise on.  This is one of them.  If you allow the Democrats, a clear minority in the Senate, to dictate who is nominated and who isn't, then what's the point of the Republicans holding the majority?  As I said last week, thank goodness it's Bill Frist leading the way and not Trent Lott, because the Republicans would have been seen as weak in the face of the American people.  We need senators who are willing to do the right thing rather than just being satisfied with doing something.

As Ed Morrissey notes, it's interesting how the Democrats now consider Pryor and Brown fit to sit on the federal bench all of a sudden.  The mere fact that the Democrats are starting to slowly cede ground is a sign that they know their backs are against the wall, and more than likely judicial filibusters will be killed if it ever comes to a vote.  Not to mention that a number of Democrats in red-leaning states are on the chopping block if they decide to stick with the party line.  That's why Ben Nelson (D-Nebraska) is working so hard to make a deal, because this could decide if he is reelected in a very strong-leaning Bush state next year.  A battle on the floor of the Senate could cost him his seat.

The battle can start as soon as tomorrow, as Frist has already announced that he will send Brown and Owen's nominations to the floor of the Senate.  Nelson is working with the spotlight-grabbing John McCain and others to undermine the Republicans' attempts at ending the filibuster, but they might not have enough time to do it. 

With three factions fighting for power in the Senate, CSpan might have the best drama on television.  CSI and Law and Order might have to take a backseat for the next few weeks.

Previous Posts:

1. Frist to throw down gauntlet next week.
2. John McCain and the Mavericks
3. It's time to show Trent Lott the door
4. Democrats looking to compromise on nuclear option