Menendez: Democrats need to showcase incidents like the Bunning blockade

by: Jason Springer

Thu Mar 11, 2010 at 03:30:00 PM EST

As the days of Republicans obstructing legislation in the Senate continue to pass, momentum has built to change the rules of the filibuster. Talking Points memo has a story up talking about how Harry Reid is suggesting it's time to make a change and our Senator had this take:

Sen. Bob Menendez (D-NJ) added in his remarks that Democrats need to "crystallize" obstruction and showcase incidents like the Bunning blockade to highlight the real effects parliamentary tactics have on voters.

At the very least if they don't change the rules, they should make Republicans actually stand up and filibuster. Not play the games that they are. And Democrats need to clearly spell out what is going like the Senator says, because they can't continue to lose the messaging battle and expect to win at the ballot box. I would hope Senator Menendez, in his role leading the DSCC can push other members to make sure they are highlighting the obstruction on a more regular basis until permanent changes are made.

Jason Springer :: Menendez: Democrats need to showcase incidents like the Bunning blockade

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Menendez: Democrats need to showcase incidents like the Bunning blockade | 3 comments

but even that needs a rule change (0.00 / 0)

Everything is set up to put the burdens on the majority which wants to move ahead. The filbustering minority can just object, and call for quorums, and don't even need to vote in the cloture call.

Frank LoBiondo Record and Jon Runyan Watch

by: Hopeful @ Thu Mar 11, 2010 at 20:41:08 PM UTC

Democrats need to showcase incidents... (0.00 / 0)

Since the recent SCOTUS decision, I think it might be a good thing if the filibuster remains pretty much as it is.

Besides--I want the GOP obstructionists to have to stand up and say it. I want it on the record. I want the voters to be able to see and hear exactly how these people who are supposed to be working for us actually oppose legislation that is supposed to be helping those of us who weren't smart enough to be born with trust funds.

The GOP needs to be called out, and their own voices might get that ball rolling.

by: laur @ Thu Mar 11, 2010 at 22:56:57 PM UTC