Frist V McCain

I wrote the other day that if Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist was up to the challenge of finally putting a stop to Democratic filibusters of judicial nominees that he would first have to deal with some of the weak links in his own party.

Frist needs to have a sit down with these folks and let then know that they need to get on board if they ever want to see another piece of their legislation on the Senate floor. Some people should be losing some choice committee appointments too. It's time to play hardball.

Well first up for a little chin music is Republican In Name Only and First Amendment enemy Arizona Senator John McCain.

I almost fell out of my chair when I read this at Captain's Quarters. (From Hardball)

MATTHEWS: But bottom line, would you vote for what’s called the “nuclear option,” to get rid of the filibuster rule on judgeships?

MCCAIN: No I will not.

MATTHEWS: You will stick with the party?

MCCAIN: No, I will vote against the nuclear option.

MATTHEWS: You will vote—

MCCAIN: Against the nuclear option.

MATTHEWS: Oh, you will?

MCCAIN: Yes.

McCain currently serves on the following committees: Armed Services; Commerce, Science and Transportation; Indian Affairs. If Frist has any spine at all, those committee appointments would be gone by the end of Senate Business tomorrow. If that doesn't get the attention of McCain and the other party members weak on the filibuster issue Frist should be on the phone to Elizabeth Dole, in her capacity as chair of the National Republican Senatorial Committee. McCain should not be counting on a lot of committee funds and support for his next campaign.

I have written before, in the context of campaign finance reform, that McCain needs to go. Not only does he need to go, but Republican leaders should slap him around a bit on the way.

(Yes, I mean that figuratively.)

(Mostly.)

UPDATE:Hugh Hewitt has a letter from an Arizona Republican who says he will go so far as to support a Democrat to get McCain out of the senate.

Posted by: Stephen Macklin at 04:46 PM | No Comments | Add Comment