We Haf Vays To Make You Talk

by: Gypsy Chief

Thu Jan 13, 2011 at 17:37:54 PM MST

Democrats in Congress are not known for their shrewd negotiating ability. We saw this when their attempt to repeal the Bush tax cuts for millionaires resulted in... those tax cuts being extended. We saw it when the stimulus, the health insurance bill, and any number of pieces of legislation were much weaker than they should have been.

With the conclusion of the fight to reform the filibuster less than two weeks away, we can't afford to suffer another blow due to poor Democratic negotiation. That's why Daily Kos and CREDO Action have created a petition telling both Majority Leader Harry Reid and Senator Charles Schumer, the top Democratic negotiator on filibuster reform, not to water down filibuster reform to win Republican votes.

We're close to making the filibuster a real filibuster, and to putting an end to Republican obstruction on judicial and executive branch nominations. Only 51 Senators are needed to make this happen. Already, 26 have become co-sponsors of our proposed reforms, including some of the most conservative members of the Democratic caucus. Last month, all 53 Senate Democrats signed a letter in favor of filibuster reform of some sort.

Even though we can get all the votes we need from Democrats alone, Senator Schumer is negotiating with Senate Republicans anyway. I know that sounds crazy, but rather than just slapping your hand against your forehead in response, take action. *Sign our petition to Senator Schumer and Reid-don't water down filibuster reform:

Recent history says they will listen to us on this one. Last week, when we made phone calls to Senator Schumer's office about the filibuster reform package, we asked him to include measures that would speed up the nomination process. The measures we asked for weren't in his original filibuster reform package, but they were the day after we made those calls.

Maybe it's because we are the only people paying attention, or because we are bringing tens of thousands of supporters, but the Democratic leadership is listening to us this time. Let's make sure they hear from us again. Tell Reid and Schumer: don't water down filibuster reform to win Republican votes:

Keep fighting,
Chris Bowers
Campaign Director, Daily Kos

Photo Credit: Jeff Snow on Blogspot

Posted by Gypsy Chief