U.S. Senate Republicans Launch Marathon Over Judicial Nomination Filibusters

A marathon is underway in the U.S. Senate in Washington as Republicans force Democrats, who have been filibustering President Bush’s judicial nominations, togo through what some are calling a 30-hour “anti”-filibuster. The 30 hour effort, which some Republcians are calling “Justice for Judges,” is aimed at showing the American people that Democrats’ filibustering is standingin the way of the Senate’s constitutional advise and consent requirement in which Senators are required to accept or reject a President’s judicial nominations. Senator Jim Talent, who’s taking part in the action, says good nominees are being hurt by undemocratic efforts. Talent says Democrats claim they want to move onto other issues, yet, they’re standing in the way of the process. The marathon is scheduled to go until 11 o’clock tonight, Missouri time.