Most of the remaining Senate Republicans who have not yet officially said how they’ll vote on the nuclear option are under pretty intense pressure, forcing most to be even cagier when it comes to how they’re leaning, but some of their preferences are becoming clearer.
According to Roll Call, there are seven senators left who are still on the fence — Susan Collins (Maine), Chuck Hagel (Neb.), Dick Lugar (Ind.), Lisa Murkowski (Alaska), Olympia Snowe (Maine), Arlen Specter (Pa.), and John Warner (Va.). Assuming the current vote count is accurate, the winning side will need at least four of these seven.
The New York Times got some helpful indications from a few of them.
John Warner — “I just look at this institution as really the last bastion of protecting the rights of the minority, and we should be very careful before we try and make any changes.” Sounds vaguely encouraging.
Susan Collins — She said she believes Dems are “abusing” the filibuster, but said, “I am concerned about the impact on the Senate of trying to put through a change that does not represent a consensus.”
Olympia Snowe — She called the nuclear option a “transformational change to the institution.” More importantly, she added, “I don’t think it’s going to be any surprise about what I intend to do on this vote.” I’d say she’s almost certainly going to vote against it.
On the other side, Dick Lugar should no longer be considered “on the fence.” He announced that he would “not take a stand against my party’s view that we should have up-or-down votes on judges.” With Lugar endorsing Frist’s approach, Dems need four of the remaining six to keep the filibuster intact.
The vote could come as early as next week. Stay tuned.