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[flyover]

It isn't the case that there are two Republican defectors.

Rather, the Republican Caucus understands that this is a contentious vote that might hit legislators hard come election time. Because the Caucus has two more people than it needs to pass DeVos, the Caucus strategically selected two Republicans to vote no so that they can be spared the backlash come election time. It is extremely unlikely that a third Republican will vote "no" - this is all planned, and this is very normal.

Yep. That's why the vote isn't "one Republican away" and why Collins and Murkowski deserve no credit. If they really wanted to take a stand, either one of them could've stopped DeVos from making it out of committee.

 

[ultratruman]

Yep. That's why the vote isn't "one Republican away" and why Collins and Murkowski deserve no credit. If they really wanted to take a stand, either one of them could've stopped DeVos from making it out of committee.

I think you all might be being a little too cynical about this. Not letting Devos get out of committee would've caused an even bigger uproar; Collins and Murkowski said they wanted all senators to have a vote on Devos.

 

[sugarhigh4242]

Has anyone confirmed that Democrats even have the votes among themselves for a filibuster?

 

[StarCreator]

Theyre essentially playing their constituents as fools. I hope this spreads and they get canned in the next election.

Calling for Collins to be canned is remarkably short sighted. Collins, along with Snowe (now retired), were instrumental in breaking the GOP blockade in the first two years of Obama's presidency. She's the type of GOP senator we need more of, not less.

 

[UberTag]

Yup it's a lot harder to cross the line when you are the actual tiebreaker

They are all afraid of Trumpian retribution. Republicans get punished in elections for voting against party all the time

The issue is that even if a Republican senator genuinely feels like she's not qualified for the job and would like to vote no on her, they know that all eyes will be on them if they cast the deciding vote and they'll get crucified by the GOP and right wing voters, and Trump himself will direct his tweeting rage at them.

Shame it can't be a blind vote.

 

[RoboPlato]

Would love to see this for Sessions too.

 

[GK86]

The heroes we need.

 

[Supast4r]

If this actually works, it would be the first political victory for the Democrats since Obama was elected.

Edit: Hyperbole! Stopping DeVos would be an amazing win for them.

Obama care, gay marriage/rights and the stimulus package come to mind