Three Democratic Senators sided with Republicans to vote against the rules change-Levin among them.

[silvershadow]

According to this article the three were Sens. Carl Levin, Mark Pryor, and Joe Manchin. I kinda get Manchin and Pryor, but does anyone know why Carl Levin voted against this?

http://www.msnbc.com/hardball/senate-dems-move-closer-nuclear-option

[spanone]

1. manchin = comedian democrat

[ScreamingMeemie]

2. Carl Levin is one of those senators who will respond personally to emails.

You can always ask him.

[silvershadow]

4. Thank you, I think I will. :) nt

[Mass]

3. Because filibusters have allowed to stop terrible nominees.

Of course, the GOP has been extremely aggressive in their filibuster approach and a reform is needed, but my guess is that Levin understands that some form of filibuster is useful (as do some people who voted for the rule change when they really wanted a different change).

[silvershadow]

6. Can they not change the rules back after getting a few nominees though, though? nt

[Mass]

9. Yes, but the GOP can then change them when they get the majority again.

This is why older senators are in general more opposed to getting rid of the filibuster. They know what it means to be in the opposition and powerless.

Young (less senior) senators that have been elected since 2006 have never been in the minority. This perspective is different.

People can agree or disagree whether minorities should have some power, but what is clear is that the GOP have driven so many Dems mad that even senior senators like Feinstein, Boxer, Reid, or Harkin have accepted the change of rule even though they have refused them before.

The GOP cannot complain. They drove this onto themselves.

[silvershadow]

11. I agree entirely with your assessment. But still, the GOP can change the rules when they are in

power anyway, so their acting like it's outrageous is just lost on me. Still trying to wrap my head around the broader view. Thanks for your post!

[anokaflash]

12. 2/3 for rules change?

If the Dems lose the Senate, could the lame duck session change the rule back, while requiring and actual speaking fillibuster, and then finally lock in all rules and require a 2/3 to change the rules . . . . . yes, I'm on meds right now LOL

[IrishAyes]

19. I'm happier that way too.

[Skinner]

5. I'm guessing it is related to his length of service. Since 1979.

He's the third most senior Democrat in the Senate.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seniority_in_the_United_States_Senate

He's taking the long view.

[silvershadow]

8. Thanks, Skinner. You are probably right. Still, I think they could easily change the rules

back after getting some nominees through. Thanks for input!

[DURHAM D]

17. He is also serving his last term and headed to K Street.

[W_HAMILTON]

7. From some quotes I read...

...it sounded like he wanted to keep the filibuster, but make it so that a filibuster would actually have to take place (not simply just be threatened). I think I would have been in favor of Levin's idea even more than the current solution.

[silvershadow]

10. That's something that has always bugged me. I guess they are too lazy to actually filibuster? nt

[Gothmog]

13. Levin is part of the old guard

Levin was in favor of the amendment only if it was passed with 66 votes. I read that Levin has been in the minority and did not want to change the traditions of the Senate. Levin has been against the nuclear option for some time and so I am not surprised by his vote.

[longship]

14. Great thread SS!

Happy to R&K.

I also agree with the assessments here re Levin. He's one of my Senators. I don't always agree with him, but I think I understand his vote and think he's been a very good US Senator.

Thanks to the posters here for their respectful and thoughtful input.

[Laelth]

15. It's fine.

They needed cover. Reid let them have it. So long as the measure passed, I have no problem with some vulnerable Democrats voting against the measure to protect themselves as they fight to be re-elected.

The measure passed. It's time to ...

[font size=48 color=blue]CELEBRATE![/font]



-Laelth

[silvershadow]

16. Ah, yes. I bet that's it. Didn't really think about that he might be vulnerable. Not sure if

his seat is up for re-election in 14 or not, but that makes sense.

[DURHAM D]

18. Levin has already announced he will not run again.