Specter, filibusters, and rounding numbers

[Army Fencer]

Even without Al Franken seated as a US Senator from Minnesota, does Arlen Specter’s switch to the Democratic Party create a filibuster-proof majority?

In order override a filibuster, 3/5th of the Senate needs to invoke cloture. Traditionally, this has meant 60 Senators, but this is based on 100 seated Senators. Without Minnesota’s second Senator, there are only 99 seated Senators, and 3/5th of 99 is 59.4.

Will the Senate round up and require 60 votes to invoke cloture, or will they round down, ending the filibuster issue until the mid-term election?

In practice, even if precedent supports rounding down (a big if—more research would be necessary to support this), nothing will likely happen. Even less than two hours after Specter has decided to switch parties, the media has told the public that 60 Senators are necessary to break a filibuster. A large media effort from Democrats would be necessary to change this perception. And it’s largely unimportant, because Al Franken will likely get his seat, so putting off major issues until the seat is won is less politically risky than arguing over a decimal.

[erooMynohtnA]

You need 3/5ths of 99, which is 59.4 votes for cloture in a senate of 99. If you have 59 you have not yet reached 3/5ths. No cloture. QED.

[Army Fencer]

A little more digging proved you are correct. The point is moot.

[erooMynohtnA]

Now to make this a politics forum thread:

If there were no precedent or decided protocol on this matter, I don't think anyone would be surprised to see the Democrats wait patiently for Franken. However, if this situation were reversed, I would expect the Republicans to already be prepping their partisan math "experts" to prove 59.4 is actually bigger than 3/5ths and Glenn Beck to be furiously crying and arguing that if the Democrats want to quibble over 4/10ths of a vote, they're no better than the slave states who came up with the 3/5ths compromise.

[Purple Fencer]

Now to make this a politics forum thread:

If there were no precedent or decided protocol on this matter, I don't think anyone would be surprised to see the Democrats wait patiently for Franken. However, if this situation were reversed, I would expect the Republicans to already be prepping their partisan math "experts" to prove 59.4 is actually bigger than 3/5ths and Glenn Beck to be furiously crying and arguing that if the Democrats want to quibble over 4/10ths of a vote, they're no better than the slave states who came up with the 3/5ths compromise.

Can someone take Beck upon his offer of waterboarding???

Now if Coleman would suck it up and realize that he's been losing ground to Franken on EVERY challenge....nah, that'll never happen

[telkanuru]

It's their Party and they'll cry if they want to...

[Purple Fencer]

It's their Party and they'll cry if they want to...

And that's about all the GOP's been doing since November.

[latenight]

Now to make this a politics forum thread:

If there were no precedent or decided protocol on this matter, I don't think anyone would be surprised to see the Democrats wait patiently for Franken. However, if this situation were reversed, I would expect the Republicans to already be prepping their partisan math "experts" to prove 59.4 is actually bigger than 3/5ths and Glenn Beck to be furiously crying and arguing that if the Democrats want to quibble over 4/10ths of a vote, they're no better than the slave states who came up with the 3/5ths compromise.

And everyone wonders why no one can unite the country. I never cease to be amazed at how much the victors like to play victim.

Like I said in another thread, people still love to drink the kool-aid. All they did is change flavors.

[latenight]

And that's about all the GOP's been doing since November.

See my last post. It applies to this as well.

Number one rule of being a winner is: Act like you have been there before.

[I_luv_saber]

Like I said in another thread, people still love to drink the kool-aid. All they did is change flavors.

QFT.

Seriously considering putting that in my signature line.

[MyrddinsPrecint]

Can someone take Beck upon his offer of waterboarding???

I thought it was Hannity.

In which case, there have been offers to do it, and offers of charity donations.

[lindajdunn]

http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/tel...e-waterboarded

Sign the petition for Sean Hannity to be waterboarded for charity.

And/or join the facebook group.

[Purple Fencer]

I thought it was Hannity.

In which case, there have been offers to do it, and offers of charity donations.

Meh....same "message" different blowhard

At least Olberman's willing to put money on the line.

What really gets me is the idiot who says McCain should not be allowed to comment on torture because his views are skewed.

Uhh....yeah.....several years at the Hanoi Hilton would probably do that to you...

[telkanuru]

Experiencing torture biases you against its use.

Man that is so out of left field.

You know, now that he's resigned to not being president ever, I like McCain a whole lot more again. Especially since his comments about Palin.

[Purple Fencer]

It also makes him an authority....from the wrong end of the deal, tho.

[erik_blank]

It also makes him an authority....from the wrong end of the deal, tho.

Theres a 'right end' to the deal?

[Purple Fencer]

Theres a 'right end' to the deal?

Someone who's been on the receiving end of horrific torture as McCain and others were certainly on the wrong end, wouldn't you say??

[erik_blank]

Someone who's been on the receiving end of horrific torture as McCain and others were certainly on the wrong end, wouldn't you say??

I would say that both parties are on the wrong end. The 'victim' of course is easily shown to be harmed, but the 'perpetrator' is also harmed by assuming a dehumanizing role and becoming less human in the process. I would not switch places with either of these roles.

[Inquartata]

Neither would I.

Well, not without a safe word, anyway.

[Purple Fencer]

I would say that both parties are on the wrong end. The 'victim' of course is easily shown to be harmed, but the 'perpetrator' is also harmed by assuming a dehumanizing role and becoming less human in the process. I would not switch places with either of these roles.

Perhaps....but the one doing the torture wasn't going through joint dislocations, beatings with rubber hoses, etc.