The idea behind it may have some virtues-like legitimate minority rights. However, it's simply been abused egregiously in recent years. As Reid always puts is "LBJ: 1 filibuster. Reid: 386."
There are certainly a number of Democrats who have misgivings about filibuster reform as well: after all what happens when they're in the minority next time? Again, however, the system is already totally dysfunctional. The idea that it might get worse doesn't hold much currency right now.
In any case, whatever the misgivings of certain Senators, the public wants filibuster reform. There are a few caveats. The poll, done by the Democratic polling group PPP framed the debate totally in Democratic terms. Still the results are arresting:
"New polling data shows overwhelming support for weakening the filibuster in the Senate.
Thousands of voters in 10 red, blue and purple states expressed disappointment with gridlock in the Senate and signaled strong support for the key pieces of Democrats’ proposal to change the rules to eliminate silent filibusters and instead require obstructing senators to occupy the floor and speak."
"The poll was conducted for the pro-reform coalition Fix The Senate Now by the Democratic-affiliated firm Public Policy Polling. It’s based on surveys with 5,566 registered voters across party lines in Arkansas, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont from Dec. 10-11."
"Asked if their senators “should vote for or against changing the Senate rules so as to reduce gridlock,” 61 percent said “for” while 25 percent said “against.” More to the point, by a 70-20 margin, respondents said filibustering senators should be required to “keep debating the bill on the floor.” The full results are available here (PDF)."
"A caveat: the survey frames the debate entirely on Democrats’ terms. It told respondents, for instance, that “1 in 11 federal judge positions are vacant because the Senate hasn’t acted on their nominations” without also mentioning GOP counter-arguments that because the Democratic majority frequently limits room for debate and amendments on legislation, Republicans must stall progress on legislation and nominations to force the majority’s hand."
“We don’t have a rules problem around here; we have an attitude problem around here,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on the floor Wednesday.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/12/filibuster-reform-poll.php?ref=fpb
Of course, the problem with amendments is that under the GOP minority, they've become yet another vehicle for delay and gridlock.
"The poll was conducted for the pro-reform coalition Fix The Senate Now by the Democratic-affiliated firm Public Policy Polling. It’s based on surveys with 5,566 registered voters across party lines in Arkansas, California, Florida, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, North Carolina, Rhode Island, and Vermont from Dec. 10-11."
"Asked if their senators “should vote for or against changing the Senate rules so as to reduce gridlock,” 61 percent said “for” while 25 percent said “against.” More to the point, by a 70-20 margin, respondents said filibustering senators should be required to “keep debating the bill on the floor.” The full results are available here (PDF)."
"A caveat: the survey frames the debate entirely on Democrats’ terms. It told respondents, for instance, that “1 in 11 federal judge positions are vacant because the Senate hasn’t acted on their nominations” without also mentioning GOP counter-arguments that because the Democratic majority frequently limits room for debate and amendments on legislation, Republicans must stall progress on legislation and nominations to force the majority’s hand."
“We don’t have a rules problem around here; we have an attitude problem around here,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) on the floor Wednesday.
http://tpmdc.talkingpointsmemo.com/2012/12/filibuster-reform-poll.php?ref=fpb
Of course, the problem with amendments is that under the GOP minority, they've become yet another vehicle for delay and gridlock.
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