Aides say they’re anticipating a full day since there are few rules to limit debate in committee. Demcrats and Jackson allies have been preparing for Republicans to bring up the largely refuted attack on Jackson’s record on child pornography cases. As one committee aide put it Sunday night: “I would anticipate that being a very central topic of debate.”
How it’ll shake out … Aides expect a tied vote in committee, which would force Majority Leader CHUCK SCHUMER to file a motion to bring the nomination to the Senate floor with four hours of debate.
That discharge vote by the full Senate is expected late today, and it could reveal how the final vote will go — i.e. if Romney and Murkowski haven’t announced their positions by then, their vote could provide a strong clue.
Senate aides are expecting Schumer to file cloture Tuesday, triggering up to 30 hours of debate on the nomination. We’re told final confirmation could come as early as Thursday.
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