If Democratic Senators are supposed to represent us,

[yy4me]

why is there any question as to whether any of them will support the filibuster? According to the polls, the majority of Democrats reject the prospect of Alito on the Supreme Court. If the surveys are correct, seems to me that ALL Democratic Senators ought to be on the side of their constituents.
If millions want a certain position , what right do any Senators have in ignoring the wishes of the people. Politicians may represent their states but in the final analysis, they represent the total of their party. Pay attention Senators, we want you on the side of the filibuster. No grandstanding, no waffling, no baloney. Just stand up for the wishes of the Democrats in America. We do not want Alito and you are our only final voice.

[MadHound]

1. But they've also got to pay attention and please their other constituency

Corporate America, the folks who actually give them money and perks. That, sadly, is their largest and most important constituency. And that is the consituency that they will listen to and follow every single time.

That is why it's more than time for another leftist party to come to power, one who isn't beholden to corporate America. Somebody like, oh, say, the Greens.

[cali]

2. Are Senators elected by the entire nation?

No they are not. They're elected in individual states. It's pretty clear that what voters want in say, my state of VT are different than what voters in Nebraska want. Senators are answerable to the voters of their states, not the nation at large.

[abluelady]

3. Too Bad The Republicans Don't Know That.

[HereSince1628]

4. Sort of, but out-of-state monies help make senatorial campaigns

and the various national fund-raising efforts of the party aren't forced to give support to any one candidate.

[applegrove]

5. Because a few sens need to win in red states. Alito will get in the

Supreme Court. And short term "wins" that don't win anything in the end - to bond with supporters outside your electoral district - may not be the right thing to do. The right thing to do is put all you got in the fight that takes place Nov 2006. And not to make potically dangerous moves for those who will make up the slim Democratic majority next year.