How many here don't know that filibusters are NOT one-man shows anymore?

[blm]

That the rules were changed over 30 years ago?

That it takes 41 senators voting AGAINST cloture to begin a filibuster?

That senators can make it known that they WOULD filibuster, but there is no filibuster until there are 41 KNOWN votes against cloture?

Cuz some of you sound as badly informed as Free Republic today, and refuse to read the posts correcting the disinfo you're spreading.

[blm]

1. Gee... so many threads by people who obviously don't know how filibuster

works, yet they won't admit it here. Go figure.

[Angry Girl]

2. It's not Mr. Smith Goes to Washington anymore

Thanks for the info.

[blm]

4. Thanks for keeping a clear head.

I know I always appreciate it when people get me facts when my statements are wrong. Some folks just get agitated.

[Angry Girl]

7. Hell, I've been wrong so many times....

I should run for President!
Except I don't think I could lie half as well as Scumbag Boy (the blushing tends to give me away).

[bullimiami]

3. not quite right. the rules were changed then but only on how many it took

for cloture to pass. formerly 2/3 changed to 3/5.
one man can fillibuster as long as he has 40 more in his corner to vote against cloture.

it is still mr smith. the rules that created cloture were adopted in 1917.

a cloture vote doesnt begin the fillibuster but the passage ends it.

[blm]

5. heh... at that point it's semantics, but I appreciate the input.

I was really trying to keep it simple. VERY simple. ;))))

[sandnsea]

8. They send the number up

And notify that there's 41 to filibuster. At least that's the preferred way to do it, not sure if it's a hard fast rule.

[Walt Starr]

6. You're right AND wrong

A one man show filibuster can still happen, though they aren't very effective.

The filibuster talked about over Alito, however, would be a failure to vote in favor of cloture, thus the debate must continue. When a cloture vote fails, generally, the Senate moves on to other business while allowing the matter being debated to sit.

[sandnsea]

9. They'd move to end debate

So without the 41 votes, there really couldn't be a filibuster in that case, right?

[Walt Starr]

10. IF 40 or fewer Senators vote against cloture

debate ends and a vote on the matter is taken. Otherwise, debate continues.

[sandnsea]

11. Yeah

So it takes 41 to filibuster.