Fox News: Shamnesty collapsing, might be down to 59 votes; Update: Talk radio knows the bill better than we do, says Sessions; Update: Senate aides predict bill will fail; Update: 38 no’s?
posted at 8:33 pm on June 27, 2007 by Allahpundit
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Cloture 2 is at 10:30 tomorrow morning. Count with me. We started with 64; then Webb’s amendment lost, which probably means he’s voting no tomorrow; then a surprise no from Pete Domenici; and now:
Late Wednesday, two Republicans, Sens. Kit Bond of Missouri and Richard Burr of North Carolina, told FOX News that they will switch their vote and not try to prevent the filibuster. One Democrat who never votes against cloture, Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska, also told FOX News that he will vote “no” this time.
“Enough is enough. There have been seven cloture votes I’ve voted yes on. This is an extraordinary circumstance. But enough is enough. … This clay pigeon is looking like a dead duck,” Nelson said.
That’s 59, kids, if Webb comes through and if Graham and Kennedy et al. can’t flip any of the no’s the other way tonight to make up for the shortfall. But they may have to flip an awful lot, because…
At least nine other senators told FOX News they are undecided or leaning toward a no vote. They include Democratic Sens. Mark Pryor, Jim Webb, Jeff Bingaman, Robert Menendez and Republican Sens. Ted Stevens, Lisa Murkowski, Pete Domenici, Judd Gregg and John Ensign.
The poetic justice of this is that the killer was an amendment offered by Grassley, Obama, and Baucus to loosen the verification requirements on employers. Supposedly, it was the only one of the new “clay pigeon” amendments that the White House opposed because it wasn’t tough enough on enforcement. It came up for a vote tonight and was supposed to be tabled, along with the other 27 amendments — except that the vote to table failed, 45-52. According to Fox, Reid could be heard saying afterwards that he’s “stuck” now.
How delicious if Bush is done in by tools who are even bigger amnesty shills than he is.
Stand by for updates. In the meantime, go see what the Democrats have been spending their time and money on when they’re not busy discovering the fascinating way in which emotional appeals sway human beings.
Update: Here’s what Reid means when he says he’s stuck:
Under Senate rules, Majority Leader Harry Reid, a Nevada Democrat, now can’t move to consider other provisions without getting the consent of all 100 senators.
“I think this hurts” the measure, said Texas Republican John Cornyn, an opponent.
Think Jim DeMint’s going to give his consent?
On the other hand, the Bloomberg piece says Webb and Domenici aren’t sure no’s yet but are “leaning” that way.
Update: The process has now reached the level of absurdity where David Vitter and DeMint are pleading with Mitch McConnell to let them read the amendments before voting on them.
Update: We’d better kill it here because suddenly open borders lobbyists are predicting 30 to 40 Republican votes in the House, which would mean Pelosi would have to come up with 180 or so Democrats to pass it. Out of a caucus of 232? Difficult but not impossible.
Update: The boss thinks the reference to talk radio here is a veiled dig at Voinovich’s pathetic turn with Hannity this afternoon. I think he was speaking more broadly, but whichever it is, it’s welcome. And dead on.
Update: It’ll go down to the wire, but it’s looking good: “Top legislative aides in both parties predicted today’s vote would be very close but would fall short of keeping the proposal alive.”
Update: Damn it, Lowry says Webb is going to pull the sham shamnesty two-step. 38 solid no’s right now; only 40 are needed to defeat cloture since only 99 senators will vote (Tim Johnson is still recuperating).
Update: Webb is enjoying teasing people with this crap, isn’t he? “I’m definitely a probably no.”
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it might just be game over
Defector01 on June 27, 2007 at 8:35 PM
Inshallahpundit.
Mindcrime on June 27, 2007 at 8:35 PM
if cloture fails, i think the humpin’ robot should be in every headline spot on the front page.
lorien1973 on June 27, 2007 at 8:35 PM
I just saw this little jewel in an article on Drudge:
“We are in trench warfare and it’s going to be rough,” said Pennsylvania Republican Arlen Specter, a chief sponsor of the legislation. “But we are going to see the will of the Senate work one way or another.”
hollygolightly on June 27, 2007 at 8:36 PM
Standing my post. Keeping my eyes open. I won’t believe it until I see a riderless pony walking down the street with this bill stuffed backwards in the stirrups.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 8:39 PM
My hopes are up! The only thing better than the humping robot is if AP could score a video of a robot throwing out the first pitch in a NYFD hat.
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 8:40 PM
nice, holly, that sums it up right there. The will of Senate vs. the will of people (and robot).
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 8:42 PM
Exactly, we know that 75% of the American People are against this (amongst both parties) and yet they don’t care. Then they STILL say crap like this even today. I’m sorry, they’re just a bunch of pompous windbags if they think they’re smarter than 75% of America, and especially if they somehow think they are invincible to being voted out!
hollygolightly on June 27, 2007 at 8:52 PM
Somehow, if it fails, it will all be Bush’s fault according to Dingy Harry. Not that I care anymore what Dingy Harry says about Mr. Bush.
SouthernGent on June 27, 2007 at 8:53 PM
WTF happened to the will of the people!?!?!
This just shows how high and mighty they really think they are!
“It’s looking like a revolution….”
We really need to get back to a representative government, but the chances of that happening is close to nill.
lsutiger on June 27, 2007 at 9:04 PM
I’m crossing all my fingers… and toes.
Paul the American on June 27, 2007 at 9:06 PM
so Rush was right then…
Ropera on June 27, 2007 at 9:07 PM
From the Menendez web site just now:
He’s doing it for all the wrong reasons, of course, but who cares! *fingers crossed*
IrishEi on June 27, 2007 at 9:07 PM
Keep calling!! Do not let them think we have fallen asleep on this vital issue.
Be diligent and faithful in making the phone calls to every Senator who is sitting on the fence.
It ain’t over until you know who sings.
ColtsFan on June 27, 2007 at 9:08 PM
Interesting that he says “one way or another,” no? I read at one point the Senate’s approval on dealing with this particular issue is 3%. Is that a threat that our will is just ENTIRELY irrelevant?
hollygolightly on June 27, 2007 at 9:09 PM
Rosie or Roseanne?
DCA on June 27, 2007 at 9:09 PM
IrishEi, your post is priceless!
Ropera on June 27, 2007 at 9:10 PM
Shhh hollygolightly! let him vote no tomorrow. Then we can start mocking him! Pretend you believe him…
Ropera on June 27, 2007 at 9:11 PM
I’m trying not to get my hopes up, but I sure hope it dies. Maybe we can find someone (lets say the VP) and give him a gun. I would bet tons of money DC hates this bill.
tshell on June 27, 2007 at 9:13 PM
Haha, will do. Cross your fingers. Also cross them that Webb really does vote no, I called his office up until the last minute today but to no avail, no definite decision by the time his office closed…
hollygolightly on June 27, 2007 at 9:14 PM
Yeah, kinda like the enemy of my friend is my friend.
IrishEi on June 27, 2007 at 9:14 PM
Better still: A bit of PhotoShopping and creative video editing and we’d have one of the robot humping Ted Kennedy/Lindsay Grahan/McVain.
It would surely take creative editing, because there are some things that you can’t possibly get a robot to do.
Misha I on June 27, 2007 at 9:16 PM
Can I get an amen!
BadgerHawk on June 27, 2007 at 9:16 PM
Sorry, been in Alabama since December.
BadgerHawk on June 27, 2007 at 9:16 PM
I’m sure inclined to think Webb will vote no due his amendment failing.
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 9:16 PM
lorien,
Your fascination with humping robots is starting to concern me. :)
However if cloture does fail tomorrow I have to agree with you.
F15Mech on June 27, 2007 at 9:17 PM
Awesome, that made me literally laugh out loud.
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 9:18 PM
Well, that seems to be the consensus, and that was the first thing his staffer said (that his amendment had been killed), soooo…let’s hope so!
hollygolightly on June 27, 2007 at 9:20 PM
Recognize those words, F15Mech?:)
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 9:21 PM
Cigar shops in DC must be making a fortune tonight.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 9:21 PM
That’s my expectation. But the whole process of this bill has been full of surprises, so… until I hear some singing, still crossed, as you said.
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 9:23 PM
I’ll believe it when I see it. From the looks of it, all of this has been in motion for a long time, and the Grand Bargainers will probably be willing to give a hell of a lot to get it rammed through.
I forget where, but I seem to remember hearing some report earlier this year that said that ICE was preparing a bunch of new job slots for people to basically deal with an amnesty.
WisCon on June 27, 2007 at 9:25 PM
LOL
However I never said the robots had to be humping
F15Mech on June 27, 2007 at 9:26 PM
I know the Border Patrol has 2000 openings and are taking applications until Jan 08.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 9:28 PM
and is it any wonder that sessions received the highest of honors at aces place?
cougfan on June 27, 2007 at 9:30 PM
Lets do this thing. Think how powerful we the people would be if everyone who is against this sell out bill would form a third party.
build the wall on June 27, 2007 at 9:33 PM
Cool Facts about Jeff Sessions
cougfan on June 27, 2007 at 9:33 PM
Quick! Someone please inform me who are the most imporant fence sitters!
Dark-Star on June 27, 2007 at 9:35 PM
I think Sessions is referring to Senator V. Look at the blonde seated next to Sessions when he says “Some talk show hosts know more about this bill than some senators.” She smirks/chuckles as that line is delivered.
DCA on June 27, 2007 at 9:38 PM
I’ve been saying that for years. I can’t really stand either party, but end up voting for the lesser of two evils. Sadly, it’s a dream, since your average independent tends to be your average non-voting, politically apathetic joe.
BadgerHawk on June 27, 2007 at 9:39 PM
PRCalDude on June 27, 2007 at 9:43 PM
Third party = parliamentary chaos. Don’t want it. Don’t need it.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 9:43 PM
Just take back the party we have. It isn’t theirs, no matter what the hell they think. All the power you need is in your wallet. Find a candidate who supports you and support him.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 9:44 PM
F15 - fair enough, lol.
cougfan - Jeff Sessions doesn’t worry about gas prices/His car runs on the tears of vanquished senators. [my favorite one]
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 9:44 PM
And in actual trench warfare, Specter’s equivalent would be a filthy, disease-carrying rat.
ReubenJCogburn on June 27, 2007 at 9:44 PM
Are my eyes fooling me?? Did that say that BURR has decided to switch his vote?? Can it be true??
tickleddragon on June 27, 2007 at 9:45 PM
Expect the Democrats to dig deep into their purses to find the earmarks needed to bribe some of those “no” votes back to their side by tomorrow morning.
Money talks. This is the Senate after all.
Mark V. on June 27, 2007 at 9:46 PM
For once, Limerick [9.43] I disagree with you. I think Nader should run in EVERY election 3rd party.
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 9:47 PM
Is Bubba back in town?
On another note, did anyone hear Tony Snow making the rounds today? Ingraham and Beck both pummeled him. That poor guy. Couldn’t they find an illegal alien to do that job? Tony shouldn’t have to.
Pablo on June 27, 2007 at 9:49 PM
or Perot? I’m not saying ban them, but once we get into a three party system then nothing would ever happen that wasn’t back door deal. That is what we are fighting now. We just need to take back the party. It is just that simple.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 9:50 PM
Since I’m currently living in Alabama I’m just going to claim Sessions as my senator.
BadgerHawk on June 27, 2007 at 9:56 PM
I know, I was just kidding you.
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 10:01 PM
ooops :0)……one of those days here.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 10:06 PM
We are so proud of Jeff Sessions. Bama folks, Senator Sessions is up for re-election in 2008. Let’s send him back to the Senate.
MasFutbol on June 27, 2007 at 10:07 PM
All of our family and friends have been doing what we can to stop this monster.It’s amzing to us how little coverage this bill has received in the states(Indiana) major newspaper The Indianapolis Star which is in the tank for the amnesty.Our local paper has more about this issue than the Star.We now have over 1100 numbersusa members in each Indiana congressional district and until yesterday have had no luck in convincing either Senator Bayh(D) or Lugar(R) to cahnge their position although practically every congressman said they would vote NO.We still have not figured out why Bayh switched to NO on cloture yesterday and neither could the NRO.Anybody have a guess?The local paper did a online poll on the bill 89% against was the final result!
This is a big issue in this state.It was one of the number one issues in our congressional districts races last year between Hostetler(R) and Ellsworth(D) each trying to be out do the other an NO AMNESTY.Ellsworth won and has kept his pledge by sending out e newsletters and dirtect mail saying he would be a NO on this bill should it reach the House.
PTN 39 on June 27, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Look what we have to do to run our own country.
Hannity shames a goofball senator Voinabitch. Sessions has found Jesus (pronounced Hey-Zuse). Inhofe makes me believe there is a god (acronym for good ol democrat).
Talk radio knows more about what’s in the bill than they do.
Well, ain’t dat duh truth.
Kini on June 27, 2007 at 10:10 PM
I JUST called Ben Nelson’s office.
A robo-secretary said the voice mailbox for Nelson was full and kicked me out. No chance to talk to a human operator, no other options, nothing.
This is not encouraging.
Dark-Star on June 27, 2007 at 10:11 PM
God Bless ya, Senator Sessions… You’re on our side, and we will not forget you. Even those of us in states outside of Alabama.
tickleddragon on June 27, 2007 at 10:12 PM
This map is great.
It shows a list of zip codes where petition signatures have come from.
F15Mech on June 27, 2007 at 10:14 PM
I can photoshop all those red flags to south of the Rio Grande….that will get their attention on the Hill.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 10:16 PM
If it gets to the House you can best believe Madam
StretcherSpeaker will make SURE it passes, and of course Senor Boosh will sign it no matter what!SouthernGent on June 27, 2007 at 10:19 PM
It’s missing two states.
Kini on June 27, 2007 at 10:21 PM
I don’t think even that will get the attention of the members focused on passing this bill.
F15Mech on June 27, 2007 at 10:21 PM
I don’t believe Botox Blinky Pelosi will bring it to the floor unless she thinks she has republican support. She won’t want to risk failure by sticking, ahem, her neck out.
Kini on June 27, 2007 at 10:26 PM
Hotair has got to stop using tribalfusion.com. It’s now to the point that about half the time I click on any Hotair link the site times out while trying to load the page a.tribalfusion.com. It’s becoming too frustrating to even use this site.
greggish on June 27, 2007 at 10:27 PM
Given what Domenici has said, repeatedly, publicly and privately about this subject, I really can’t believe (but hold a forlorn hope) that he is going to vote nay when push comes to shove…. Unless it is some sort of procedural trick.
I can’t imagine that me telling him, several times, that he would never see another check or vote from me if he helped this abomination pass, would make much of an impression.
(Boy, that’s a tortured sentence, but I’m too exhausted right now to figure out how to fix it.)
Maybe Pete just finally came to his senses and remembered that he has been a pretty reliable Conservative, at least for the 40 years I’ve known him.
LegendHasIt on June 27, 2007 at 10:27 PM
After the good Senators defeat this, I hope we can focus more attention on this super highway coming right out of Mexico.
Legions on June 27, 2007 at 10:36 PM
Good luck, we have our Convert/Republican Silky Pony Governor down here that has it rolling ahead. That highway is coming. Don’t ask me why, but it is coming.
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 10:40 PM
With this new super highway the cartels are giving a 3 to 5 day gaurantee (business days) with all their shipments. They believe more amer. kids on drugs opens a job for their anchor babies.
Legions on June 27, 2007 at 10:49 PM
I wonder at point our Senators actually thought we care about their opinions. REPRESENTATIVE DEMOCRACY. They are NOT elected to think… they are elect to do what we tell them.
On a side note… I would love to see MM debate any Senator on this bill (including the ones who wrote it.) They would get STOMPED
tshell on June 27, 2007 at 10:51 PM
Man, those are some evenly-distributed racists and people who don’t want what’s best for America.
ReubenJCogburn on June 27, 2007 at 10:52 PM
12 corridors, 4000 miles of highway, each with 6 passenger lanes, 4 truck lanes, and 2 rail lines. Each corridor taking 1/4 wide strips thru eminent domain. Toll roads of course. All leading to that fence that doesn’t exist.
Everything you need to know;
http://www.corridorwatch.org/ttc/index.htm
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 10:53 PM
1/4 mile wide
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 10:54 PM
I see one in Maine. Slublog?
Bad Candy on June 27, 2007 at 10:55 PM
Thanks Limerick, I knew most of that too I just am hoping to spread the word..Thxs for the web site.
Legions on June 27, 2007 at 10:57 PM
If only Vitter could be both of my state’s senators…
amnistitio delenda est
apostle26 on June 27, 2007 at 10:57 PM
Been after Joe Lieberman’s office all week on his position as he started off a no but became a yes. Just thought I would remind all of you that jumped on the Liebs bandwagon.. The guy is a tried and true lib who happened to be right on one issue. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. Anyway, I would bet the farm on him going yes this time around.
RobertCSampson on June 27, 2007 at 10:58 PM
Clearly, the fab complaint letter to Burr from this NC constituent did the trick! You guys can wait to thank me till after the vote.
JM Hanes on June 27, 2007 at 10:58 PM
I’ll thank you now and later:)
Spirit of 1776 on June 27, 2007 at 11:00 PM
“…if you want to know the truth…” Senator Jeff Sessions
Rush almost always is right, and when he’s not — Jeff Sessions is.
Jaibones on June 27, 2007 at 11:02 PM
I wonder how many miles of fence could be built out of one mile of the Texas Coyote Highway?
Limerick on June 27, 2007 at 11:02 PM
98.7% right :)
RushBaby on June 27, 2007 at 11:07 PM
Just think…if it weren’t for the Internet few of us would even know about this issue.
Scary.
Bob's Kid on June 27, 2007 at 11:08 PM
This Sen. deserves to be reelected just for this statement.
I’d love it if it went down short just 1 (I know, too risky). The one who’d stick the knife into this monster would be an instant and legendary hero.
A caller to the J&K show called us, the citizens of the U.S. “mushrooms”, the ones which our senators keep in the dark and feed bs to.
Entelechy on June 27, 2007 at 11:11 PM
Kill (the) Bill, Volume 2. Which Senator will cast the Five-Point Palm-Exploding Heart Technique?
The Bride: “You and I have unfinished business.”
Bill: “Baby, you ain’t kidding.”
Graybark on June 27, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Holy crap! Look at all those red flags in Idaho! We are definately gonna send that sack o crap Craig packing in 08. I bet the coward retires this summer.
csdeven on June 27, 2007 at 11:21 PM
JM Hanes,
While I am sure you wrote a great letter, I think Burr changed his mind because I started calling him Senator Burr-ito! Or not. In any event, from Senator Burr’s web site:
Burr Statement on Immigration Reform Bill
“Tuesday’s vote was on whether the Senate should continue to debate immigration, not on the bill itself. I still have concerns about the immigration reform bill in its current form. Unless the bill changes drastically, I can find no way to support it.”
Maybe he will get this right tomorrow and I can stop calling him Senator Burr-ito!
The Opinionator on June 27, 2007 at 11:25 PM
The bigger story here is that these guys would cast a vote for legislation without even reading it.
If they don’t listen to their constituents, and they don’t even read and understand what they’re voting on, all that’s left is cronyism or bribery.
Whatever it is, it’s outrageous to me.
BacaDog on June 27, 2007 at 11:39 PM
Freakin’ Webb….there is still hope that we can get 2 more
LordMaximus on June 27, 2007 at 11:40 PM
Who’s voting for the late Craig Thomas?
amerpundit on June 27, 2007 at 11:50 PM
Opinionator:
Afraid Spirit of 1776 already thanked me for Burr! I just fired off an email from a VA address to Senator Webb, though, so if the magic’s still working, the credit’s yours if you want it.
JM Hanes on June 28, 2007 at 12:10 AM
I agree completely about the taking back the party bit, Limerick.
I’m just worried about the environmental impact of all of the fumigation their former offices are going to need to get the rotten stench out.
Misha I on June 28, 2007 at 12:15 AM
I’m not a big Webb fan, but in fact he’s actually made more sense than some of the pro-bill zealots. Here he is from the Fox news link above, on the amendment he wanted:
I do think that a lot of the provisions in the bill, and the way the whole thing has been handled, have driven a lot of pro-reform folks into the anti-comprehensive camp.
JM Hanes on June 28, 2007 at 12:17 AM
May God be with us….
Tim Burton on June 28, 2007 at 12:19 AM
On the Petition Flags: It could almost be a population density map, couldn’t it?
JM Hanes on June 28, 2007 at 12:24 AM
His name is John A. Barrasso MD. He is a solid conservative Republican.
He is on the “right side” on the sham-nesty bill.
ColtsFan on June 28, 2007 at 12:30 AM
Webb will vote Yes on cloture, then he will hold a naked young boy upsdie down and…..
Never mind.
JayHaw Phrenzie on June 28, 2007 at 12:33 AM
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