Good morning . . .
Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) pledged that the proposed ban on filibusters for judicial nominees would not apply to legislation.
"There is no need for change in relation to legislative matters," Frist said in a statement issued before GOP senators met for their weekly policy meeting.
Democrats quickly questioned whether future Senate leaders would do the same now that Frist has opened the door. Yes, probably a very liberal Democrat would extend the rule to all bills and nominations just because he could. It is unlikely that Democrats will regain control of the Senate in the foreseeable future.
While Frist said the rule change will apply only to judicial nominees, he may extend it to all Presidential appointments if the Democrats choose to filibuster the nomination of John Bolton.
A simple majority is all that is necessary to change Senate rules. 60 votes are currently required to end a filibuster. There are 55 Republicans, 44 Democrats, and 1 Independent (usually votes with Democrats) serving in the US Senate.
Frist: Filibuster Ban Won't Include Bills - Yahoo! News
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The reign of Pope Benedict XVI begins today. He outlined his to priorities during a Mass for the College of Cardinals in the Sistine Chapel.
He said his "primary task" was the reunification of all Christians and he would continue an "open and honest dialogue" with other religions.
The main purpose of his message was to show that Benedict was intent on following many of the groundbreaking paths of his predecessor.
I too ... want to affirm with decisive willingness to follow in the commitment of carrying out the Second Vatican Council, in the wake of my predecessors and in faithful continuity with the 2,000-year-old tradition of the church," Benedict said.
While many in the American media and some American Catholics consider him a hard-line conservative, Benedict will chart his own course for the future of the Church. Liberal Catholics, primarily in America, will not like his stance on abortion, homosexuality, the role of women, and celibacy because they reflect the teachings of the Church.
While some are describing the new Pope as a hardline conservative, American cardinals describe him as a caring and brilliant churchman who listens to those with opposing views.
New Pope Vows to Work to Unify Christians - Yahoo! News
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Senator George Voinovich (R-OH) has received more than his fair share of support from the GOP in races that he should have lost. His re-election in November was a surprise for many Ohioians and members of the GOP. His current term is likely to be his last and his stance on Bush appointees could speed up the process.
Tuesday Voinovich joined Democrats on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee to block, for the moment, the nomination of John Bolton as ambassador to the UN. Voinovich like the whining Democrats is concerned about Bolton's "abuse" of subordinates. In one case, the subordinate in question lied to Bolton and was disciplined accordingly.
Without Voinovich's vote, the nomination could die in committee. Sen. Lincoln Chaffe (R-RI) who has been waffling on the nomination, also asked for the vote to be delayed because the "dynamic has changed."
"John Bolton is exactly the person we need at the United Nations at this time," White House spokesman Scott McClellan said on Tuesday, after the Senate Foreign Relations Committee postponed its planned vote.
The White House is correct. The US needs an ambassador at the UN who will protect the country's interests and not side with countries and "allies" who vote against the US every chance they get.
Republican Accused of 'Bolton Betrayal' -- 04/20/2005
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This could be good news or bas news.
Sen. James Jeffords (I-VT) who deserted Republicans and gave the Democrats a majority in the Senate four years ago will announce Wednesday that he will not seek another term in the Senate.
Jeffords office will neither confirm or deny that the announcement, but a press conference has been scheduled for this afternoon in Burlington.
Jeffords, 70, is serving his third term as Senator for Vermont.
AP: Sen. Jeffords Won't Seek Re-Election - Yahoo! News
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More later.
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