Republicans Setting Filibuster Record McClatchy Washington Bureau | 07/22/2007 | Senate tied in knots by filibusters

Kevin Drum writes about filibusters. Senate Republicans are on track to more than double the previous record of filibusters. In just the first 6 months of the current term they have 42, the previous record for a whole 2 year session is 58.



Drum though points out what's worth noting: "It's also worth noting why Republicans are filibustering everything in sight. It's not because it's the only way they have of blocking legislation they dislike. After all, a Republican is president. The real reason is a desperate desire to kill popular legislation quietly (the press doesn't spend much time reporting on routine filibusters) rather than force President Bush to kill popular legislation in full public view (the press does report on presidential vetoes). The problem is that the public tends to be on the side of Democrats when domestic issues actually get some attention, so Republicans benefit by keeping their disagreements as low key as possible. The last thing they need is a bunch of high-profile vetoes that would make it crystal clear exactly what they're fighting against."