Sen. Allen Going All In Against a Bluff

Sen. George Allen of Virginia has written today in the Washington Times that it's time for the Senate Republicans to call the bluff of the Senate Dems and enact the so-called "nuclear" option:

How would an uncooperative Democratic leadership be any different than what we've seen over the last few years in the Senate? The Democrats have attempted to block us on almost every issue we've brought forth since they lost their majority in the Senate.

This year they've already thrown up blocks on the bankruptcy bill and class action reform and we fully expect a fight on upcoming legislation regarding Social Security reform, the budget, tax cuts, energy independence, medical liability reform, welfare reform and a whole host of other measures. You can bet they'll continue with these tactics, regardless of whether or not we move forward with judges.

Further, Mr. Reid and the Democratic leadership are going to have a heck of a time pulling this caucus together on this issue. I don't think reasonable Democrats are going to want to be a part of this attempt to shut down the Senate. I'd be surprised if moderates like Sens. Ben Nelson and Joe Lieberman and those up for re-election in 2006 would actually go along with this failed play.

It looks to me like the Democrats are trying to play some poker. I think they're bluffing and I think Republicans need to call them on it. We also need to remind the Democrats that governing our nation is not a game.

Now is the time for Republicans in the Senate to "go for it" without timidity; we must not cower or worry about the Democrats' political reaction. The fact is, very soon we could see a vacancy on the Supreme Court of the United States. It's important that we put an end to these obstructionist tactics before we start piling up vacancies on the Supreme Court, as they are piling up in federal appellate courts around the country today.

We need to keep our promises to the American people. They expect us to act, not hide behind obscure parliamentary procedures and process. Americans voted back in November. Now they expect their senators to take a stand and vote, not to play petty, partisan process games.

Go for it, Senator! I don't think the Dems will carry out their many threats to stop all action in the Senate. It would make them look very bad, and with all the problems the Dems have with the American people right now, they can't afford to take that hit.