What Could Go Wrong? Harry Reid Likely to Go Nuclear Today Because, Reasons

“One-party autocracy certainly has its drawbacks. But when it is led by a reasonably enlightened group of people, as China is today, it can also have great advantages”. — Thomas Friedman

Washington (CNN) – Because of frustration over Republicans blocking President Obama’s nominees, Senate Democratic leader Harry Reid is likely to launch the so-called nuclear option Thursday, senior Democratic sources tell CNN.

It’s known as the nuclear option because it is a rules change that could make a partisan environment even more divisive – because it would take away a sacrosanct right for any party in the Senate minority – the right to filibuster.

Democratic sources tell CNN Reid’s plan would scrap the Republicans ability to filibuster executive branch nominees and judges, but exclude U.S. Supreme Court nominees. Under current rules it takes 60 votes to break a filibuster. The rule change would allow most Obama nominees to be confirmed by 51 votes – a simple Senate majority.

The Democrats currently have a 55-45 majority in the Senate.

Today, the Democrats will do their best to lose that majority 

CNN Political Ticker – CNN.com Blogs

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