Cloture Upheld 52-33 on Craig Becker Nomination
The NAM_Shopfloor and Senatus twitter feeds are reporting, and media outlets are confirming, that the cloture motion to end debate on Craig Becker's nomination to the National Labor Relations Board has failed by a 52-33 margin. As everyone seems to know nowadays, 60 votes are required to end a filibuster.
Observes NAM: "Even with snow, a little surprised at small vote."
Boston's WBZ-TV's website notes:
The task for Democratic leaders turned more difficult when at least two Democrats joined Republicans in opposing the lawyer.
Nebraska Senator Ben Nelson was one such Senator, consistent with reports last night. Politico reports that Sen. Blanche Lincoln (D-AR) also voted against cloture.
What now? A recess appointment of Mr. Becker by President Obama remains a politically charged possibility. A recess appointment made soon would serve until the conclusion of the next Senate session in late 2011.
More commentary:
- "Becker Labor Board Nomination Held Up After Senate Cloture Vote" -- BusinessWeek
- "Obama Warns GOP He Will Use Recess Appointments" -- Huffington Post
- "Craig Becker Nomination Defeated as Cloture Vote Fails" -- FireDogLake
- "AFL-CIO Goes After Nelson For 'Hypocrisy' On Becker Nomination" -- The Hill
- "Senate Prevents Confirmation Of Controversial Labor Nominee" -- ShopFloor.org
