Full senate takes up Ashcroft

The final debate on the confirmation of John Ashcroft is underway in the United States Senate. And it could be a long, long day. One of the Democratic leaders of the senate, Nevada’s Harry Reid, is sending out the word. “We didn’t do as much talking…last night….We expected to go until 9:00,” he said, “I think tonight we’ll go until 9:00 or 10:00.” A divided Judiciary Committee yesterday recommended confirmation. The final vote was 10-8. Ashcroft backers think he’ll get 60 or more votes in the 100-member senate.