According to the latest reports, the attempt by senator Al Franken to block the nomination of David Stras to the 8th Circuit court of appeals just fell apart. Stras is a well respected justice of the Minnesota Supreme Court, and his confirmation seems assured. Franken, however, refused to return his "blue slip", a device used in the Senate by the home state senators for nominees. Although it is not in the Senate rules, the blue slip is a custom under which a senator can block a nomination. The custom has been honored off and on in the Senate. Franken's stunt has pushed the Senate back into the "off" position.
Mitch McConnell says now he will push the Stras nomination forward. There was no real reason for Franken's hold on the nomination aside from obstruction. At least when it comes to judicial confirmations, the Senate is not allowing the Dems to block progress.
Mitch McConnell says now he will push the Stras nomination forward. There was no real reason for Franken's hold on the nomination aside from obstruction. At least when it comes to judicial confirmations, the Senate is not allowing the Dems to block progress.
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