SCOTUS Fight: It Seems Red State Democrats Are Totally And Utterly Screwed..Matt Vespa

[mystery-ak]

SCOTUS Fight: It Seems Red State Democrats Are Totally And Utterly Screwed
Matt Vespa
9/6/2018 8:30:00 AM

For liberal Democrats and conservative Republicans, it’s an easy choice regarding the Supreme Court nomination of Judge Brett Kavanaugh. Both sides have made up their minds weeks before these hearings, which have devolved into total clown shows, started this week. With former Arizona Sen. Jon Kyl being tapped to serve the remainder of the late John McCain’s term, we have a decisive vote locked up. Kyl is probably going to vote for Kavanaugh. I’m betting McCain would have a “yea” vote as well if he were healthy. The point is the game is over. We have won. The votes are there for confirmation. It’s only a matter of time.

Yet, concerning red state Democrats, it’s a question about survival. Do they want another term or do they want to please the rabid progressive base that is virtually non-existent in their respective states. Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, West Virginia, and Indiana are not hot beds of anti-Trump resistance movement. Still, as we’ve note before, red state Democrats could back Kavanaugh, vote for him (he already has the votes), and ensure their re-elections. The downside is that they will be frozen out of Democratic circles, could reap the ire of progressives who will make their lives hell for the remainder of this election cycle and more to come, and be cut off form key fundraising and financial apparatuses essential to winning elections. The term persona non grata rings a bell.

Since President Trump nominated Kavanaugh Sens. Joe Manchin (D-WV), Heidi Heitkamp (D-ND), Jon Tester (D-MT), Joe Donnelly, and Claire McCaskill (D-MO) have been put in a vice this cycle over this vote. Voters in their states want Kavanaugh confirmed. For at least McCaskill and Manchin it could be a vote that either breaks themor degrades their re-electionchances. It’s the reason why they’ve deployed countermeasureswhen the media is around, declining to attendthe nominating ceremony of Kavanaugh some two months ago. Either way, they’re not in an enviable position. In many ways, they’re quite screwed (via Axios):

    The progressive base is demanding that Democratic senators vote no on Kavanaugh. But Republicans say support for his nomination is highest in four Trump states with Democratic senators: Montana, West Virginia, North Dakota and Missouri.

    Driving the news: Democratic Sen. Kamala Harris interrupted Kavanaugh’s confirmation hearing seconds after it started. Sens. Richard Blumenthal and Cory Booker followed. Protestors were ushered out of the room.

more
https://townhall.com/tipsheet/mattvespa/2018/09/06/scotus-fight-it-seems-red-state-democrats-are-totally-and-utterly-screwed-n2516294

[Wingnut]

So what is the conventional wisdom on the final count.  59 or 60 voting. In favor of the next scotus member.

[Maj. Bill Martin]

So what is the conventional wisdom on the final count.  59 or 60 voting. In favor of the next scotus member.

I say 54.

[Wingnut]

I say 54.

 I guess there will be a sguish or two that will side with the rats.  Like Collins in ME.

[Cyber Liberty]

I guess there will be a sguish or two that will side with the rats.  Like Collins in ME.

I dunno about that.  The "Sherpa" who's been guiding Kavanaugh through the confirmation process is someone who is liked by virtually all of the Senators, certainly the Republicans.  AZ's newest Senator Jon Kyl, who now has a vote, too.