Senior Democratic aides say the total number of Democratic senators who have committed to filibustering Bush Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito have risen to the "thirties," but are still unlikely to break the 40-strong mark required to block the nominee's confirmation, RAW STORY can report.
Aides stress that liberal activists' push to block the nominee -- spurred by Sen. John Kerry's (D-MA) push for a filibuster -- is changing the tide. But it may not be enough, they say.
Joe Shoemaker, Communications Director for Senate Democratic Whip Richard Durbin (R-IL), says Democrats are still trying to bring in the numbers to block Alito. As Democratic whip, Durbin is charged with rounding up the votes.
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"I think that Durbin and other Democrats aren't willing to give up the fight," Shoemaker told RAW STORY Monday. "The numbers have been fluctuating all day."
Sources indicate that Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid (D-NV) has been vexed by the filibuster push, saying that Democrats can't bring in the votes and the move could backfire. Others, including Sen. Barack Obama (D-IL), say Democrats failed to explain to the public why Democrats opposed Alito.
Wrote AP, "To more effectively oppose Supreme Court nominees in the future, Democrats need to convince the public 'their values are at stake' rather than use stalling tactics to try to thwart the president, said a senator who opposes Samuel Alito's confirmation."
Obama, however, still intends to join the filibuster attempt.
