When the new Congress meets in January 2011, the Presidency and Vice Presidency will be controlled by Democratic incumbents and the House will be controlled by a Republican majority. As a result, were the Senate to repeal or reform the filibuster -- each party would have a significant power base -- outside of the Senate -- from which to block objectionable legislation and to protect its policy agenda and interests. This situation presents a unique opportunity to reform or repair the imbecility (as the Founders would have expressed it) of the Senate, caused by Senate Rule XXII, the Filibuster Rule.

[posted November 7, 2010]

[not yet drafted]