Has Senator Byrd said anything this week?

[theboss]

Last week, he was staunchly anti-filibuster on Alito. Has he changed his mind yet?

[Loonman]

1. No idea

Byrd is best at hammering Bush over his war lies. I'd like to hear his opinion on Alito, too, but I won't fault him.

[bryant69]

2. He may have determined to let his collegues on the comittee

do their thing, and he will save his fire for when the debate reaches the floor.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[WI_DEM]

3. Often on judicial issues Byrd does defer to the president

I don't know if that is the case this time, but that is what I've observed in the past.

[Neecy]

4. wow

If Byrd is anti-filibuster on Alito, it would be really inconsistent with the views he's set out on the floor over the last five years.

Bush ignoring the constitution and congress - Alito supports that. It would be inconceivable to me that Byrd would empower the very philosophy that he's fought so hard against. You'd think he'd be front and center for filibustering his nomination - now I'm confused.

[theboss]

5. Byrd likes conservative judges

And he thinks the president should have a lot of freedom in selecting a judge.

[Mass]

6. Byrd is a social conservative.

He is not going to be swayed by Alito's views on abortion or other issues like that. When Roberts was chosen, Byrd supported him and was blasting liberal judges.

I know Byrd gets a free pass on this board because of his position on the war, but the only chance he will oppose Alito is if he is shocked by his views on executive powers. The rest will not matter.

[sandnsea]

7. The mine ruling could matter

Maybe there's something we could get going in the media, he made it easier for mines to avoid safety regulations. :shrug:

[Junkdrawer]

10. One Alito opinion was that Surface Coal Miners weren't miners...

and so weren't protected by the Mine Safety Act.

I can't believe Alito is popular in W. VA. for that.

[WI_DEM]

8. He burped and said, "excuse me."

which is more than Bush would do.

[ThomWV]

9. Byrd Is NOT on The Judiciary Committee

So why would he say anything at all now?

[KharmaTrain]

11. People Are Jumping The Gun

Soon the made-for-TV show will end...the committee will vote on party lines and let the games begin.

I'm certain Senator Byrd will be heard once this nomination hits the floor and a true debate begins. However, I suspect we'll be hearing and using his tactical advice beforehand.

[theboss]

12. He spoke last week

I'm just laying the ground work for the shocked masses when Byrd votes for Alito.

[sandnsea]

13. Can't wait until the last minute

If we can find a reason to help him vote against Alito, we ought to do it.