Say again?

Oh hell these infernal political uncertainties!  

Harry Reid, at a news conference today: "In case there is any shred of doubt in the minds of our House counterparts, I want to be absolutely crystal clear. Any bill that defunds Obamacare is dead. Dead."

Chuck Schumer chimed in: "We will not blink. Don’t get it into your heads that we will. We won’t. Don’t make it part of your strategy that we’ll cave. We won’t. We’re unified. We’re together. You’re not."

There is one uncertainty, for real, however--and that of course is defeating a filibuster. The united Dems start with 54 votes. From there, what are some realistic pickup opportunities ... John McCain, Lisa Murkowski, Susan Collins, Rob Portman, Lamar Alexander, Mark Kirk, and perhaps the retiring Saxby Chambliss as an outside shot? Maybe even Bob Corker?  

Comments

[Turgidson]

I think you named most of the possibilities. I'd say Graham, but he's way too scared of losing his primary to break ranks on this one. Maybe Heller in NV - his state is going blue and he won't face reelection until 2018. Long shot - Orrin Hatch, who was moderately sane until he feared a teabagger challenge, which he brushed aside in 2012. Otherwise, I dunno. I might have thought Grassley was gettable, but he's gone completely batty the past few years.

[Peter G]

So the Republicans pass a bill in the House and send to the Senate. Where they filibuster it to prevent debate or a vote? What the hell?