Spines Stiffen

I think I just fell in love with Harry Reid.

U.S. Senate Democrats refused on Tuesday to clear the way for a confirmation vote on President Bush's nomination of Priscilla Owen....

...Republicans asked Democrats on Tuesday to agree to six or 10 more hours of debate before holding a vote.

After Democrats objected to both offers, Sen. Robert Bennett, a Utah Republican, asked "if any number of additional hours would be sufficient."

"There is not a number in the universe that would be sufficient," replied Senate Democratic Whip Harry Reid of Nevada.

It was unclear on Tuesday if Republicans could muster such [the necessary 60 votes to force a vote on Owens' nomination]. Regardless, they said they were not ready to try.