In an uncharacteristically direct and forceful statement, Tom Carper has announced that he will support the Democratic filibuster of Judge Neil Gorsuch.
I believe that moving forward with Judge Gorsuch’s nomination will send a signal that it’s acceptable to put partisan politics over fidelity to our Constitution. It is not. While I do not believe that two wrongs make a right, I believe this may be our only opportunity to right a historic wrong. Therefore, I am left with no other choice but to oppose Judge Gorsuch’s nomination until we find agreement on moving Judge Garland’s nomination forward at the same time.
Over one year ago, Judge Merrick Garland was nominated to fill a vacancy on the Supreme Court. Today that seat – what should be Judge Garland’s seat – remains vacant. The unprecedented obstruction my Republican colleagues in the Senate mounted last year against Judge Garland was a shameful chapter for the United States Senate and our Constitution. Judge Garland, a consensus builder and one of the most qualified and respected judges in the country, waited 293 days for a hearing and a vote that ultimately never came. A good man was treated terribly.
Meanwhile, Judge Neil Gorsuch has met with Democrats and Republicans in large numbers. A lengthy hearing covering several days was held 48 days after his nomination. Now, Republicans are prepared to speedily bring his nomination to the floor, something they were not prepared to do when they had almost an entire year to consider Judge Garland’s nomination. Ultimately, I believe that moving forward with Judge Gorsuch’s nomination will send a signal that it’s acceptable to put partisan politics over fidelity to our Constitution. It is not. While I do not believe that two wrongs make a right, I believe this may be our only opportunity to right a historic wrong. Therefore, I am left with no other choice but to oppose Judge Gorsuch’s nomination until we find agreement on moving Judge Garland’s nomination forward at the same time.
Senator Coons serves on the Judiciary Committee and he has been much more wishy-washy on his willingness to support the filibuster. Coons, is often mentioned among Democrats who want to “cut a deal” with Mitch McConnell in order to “save” the filibuster for future nominations. A position that makes not strategic or logical sense whatsoever, and basically amounts to “The house is on fire, but don’t call the fire department because we might need to call them if the house burns down next month.”
If you haven’t yet, please sign the petition:
https://www.change.org/p/senator-chris-coons-urge-senators-carper-and-coons-to-support-the-filibuster-of-neil-gorsuch?utm_source=embedded_petition_view
Called Coons’ office just now. The line seems to be that the filibuster will hold, but Coons will not be saying if he will be a party to it holding. His last public statement took that line as well:
(h/t Delaware Dem)
Goodbye filibuster! Gorsuch is going through with 53 votes in mid April . Get ready for the rumored Anthony Kennedy retirement coming this summer.
Let them do it and then put GOP style governing up for a national vote in the mid-terms. Nobody (other then maybe Coons) expects Republicans to ever act with restraint.
16-plus years in the Senate and he finally grows a pair.
Carper only talking tough because he’s up in 2018 and feeling vulnerable to the left.
Otherwise, you wouldn’t hear a peep out of him.
I don’t mind if that that’s the reason.
Primary his ass anyway. One instance of fortitude doesn’t make up for all those years of representing the banks.
I agree with both Jason and Ben. Politicians do politician stuff when they’re made to do it. I have no issue with that reason.
Also, why not continue to ride his ass. No let up.
A primary gets real attention, otherwise he just shifts back to ‘the norm’ after the election.
The filibuster will either disappear or not disappear when the R’s are all in concurrence.
The idea that voting to release the nomination will somehow forestall that disappearance is a pathetic fig leaf. We know and Chris Coons knows that we know it.
As to Carper, yes, continue to hold his ass to the fire. IMHO, there is no way that Carper joins the filibuster if he doesn’t see the political threat awaiting him if he sells out again. So, this is progress.
The big question is “Who?” What Berniecrat in Delaware should Carper be afraid of? If the progressive wing is all yelling and no nominating, he… and Coons, Carney and all the other “moderate” dingbats will know they are safe.
Rep Kowalko? I’ll personally knock on 500 doors and make 1000 phone calls if he were to mount a campaign for senate (or governor). Pinky-promise…. the most sacred of promises for an atheist like me.
Amen Ben! Great line “all yelling and no nominating”
Again, I’ll call out the name of Eugene Young. Grassroots organization, fundraising ability, and charisma. Tall, young and apparently in good health.
know what… I pledge those 500 doors and 1000 calls to Mr Young as well. That way, we can keep Rep Kowalko in the House kicking some Nazi…er um, “conservative” ass.
Carper is suffering from the early stages of alzheimer’s. He’s done and doesn’t even know it.
Two words that will haunt this filibuster…..Biden Rule…….