'Up and down votes'

[from LTE Post and Courier 05/06/05]

Both Bob Dole and The Post and Courier know better.

The filibuster or "extended debate" has always been constitutional in the U.S. Senate. Of the 30 filibusters led against nominees -- 20 were led by Republicans (source, Congressional Research Service Report RS70801). Bob Dole was in Congress when Strom Thurmond filibustered Abe Fortas' nomination. Don't tell me Fortas wasn't filibustered. I was there.

Sen. Thurmond said this was what he was going to do and was in the process of doing it. When the champion filibusterer said this, the Fortas nomination was withdrawn. The Post and Courier praised Sen. Thurmond for blocking "an up or down vote."

Thomas Jefferson was minister to France during the Constitutional Convention. When he returned he asked Washington why they created a Senate. Washington asked Jefferson why do you pour your coffee into that saucer before you drink it. Jefferson replied, to cool it. Washington said that is why you have a Senate. "Up and down votes" in the Senate would mean two House of Representatives, eliminating "the most deliberative body."

ERNEST F. HOLLINGS